Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options

The Washington-based Interfaith Working Group on Trade and Investment called the Obama administration’s efforts to fast-track the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement “undemocratic” in a statement on Feb.17. The trade pact between the United States and about a dozen Asian countries is expected to lift tariffs on goods and services on an estimated 40 percent of U.S. imports and exports. Fast-track negotiations “would limit Congress to only 90 days of deliberation for the bill with only 20 hours of debate and no amendment process,” the group said. A letter from the group to the White House and Congress complained that “‘fast track’ is a broken and undemocratic process because it privileges the views of powerful global corporations...while excluding voices of those adversely impacted.” Trade agreements should “receive a fair hearing in the public square, protect people living in poverty, promote the dignity of all workers, and responsibly protect God’s creation,” the letter said.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

The latest from america

A Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter, Sunday of Divine Mercy, by Terrance Klein
Terrance KleinApril 23, 2025
On this week’s episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac are joined by magazine’s editor in chief, Sam Sawyer, S.J., and America editor at large James Martin, S.J., to discuss “the people’s pope.”
JesuiticalApril 23, 2025
My wife and I lost a friend on earth, Gerard O’Connell writes, but we now have a friend in heaven.
Gerard O’ConnellApril 23, 2025
I know adults tell children not to take candy from strangers. But I decided to amend the rule: Never take candy from strangers unless that “stranger” is the pope!
Benjamin TrottaApril 23, 2025