LA Times - Readers React: Are Californians being shortsighted on the bullet train?

Op-Ed

by Janice Hahn

To the editor: Contrary to the impression that readers of the editorial may get, I am pro-trade. I want a fair trade deal.

But "fast track" legislation for the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) will likely result in a bad trade deal that hurts American workers. It's been estimated that the North American Free Trade Agreement resulted in the loss of more than 800,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs.

The text of the House fast-track measure ties the hands of the president, not allowing him to consider climate change or immigration issues when negotiating deals. Additionally, it hurts human rights by drastically weakening human trafficking protections.

If the president gets fast-track authority, then my only role as a member of Congress would be to vote up or down on a trade deal. I don't want to vote against a trade deal. I want to shape a fair deal that does not hurt American workers and that I can vote for.

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