Perlmutter seeks more congressional involvement on trade treaty

By Dave Felice

Exclusive to Denver Direct

Rep. Ed Perlmutter

Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Lakewood is opposing a measure which would send the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade treaty through Congress with limited debate and no amendments.

The limited debate proposal is commonly known as "fast track."  Its official title is Trade Promotion Authority. While supported by President Barack Obama, the TPA measure is sponsored in the House by Rep. Dave Camp, a Michigan Republican.

Perlmutter’s Legialstive Aide Jeff O’Neil issued this statement: "Congressman Perlmutter has decided to oppose Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) or Fast Track. He still hasn't made any decisions on specific trade deals, including the TPP, but after studying the TPA bill and educating himself over the last several weeks he has decided to oppose TPA to encourage more Congressional involvement in trade negotiations."

Perlmutter joins Rep Diana DeGette in opposing fast track. Rep. Jared Polis has not decided his position on TPA, according to his District Director, Andy Schultheis. A group of activists met with Schultheis last Friday to urge Polis to reject the fast track measure.

The four Republican members of Colorado’s congressional delegation are silent so far on both fast track and the TPP.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership treaty is a massive trade deal, being negotiated in secrecy. Its provisions could negatively impact the environment, American jobs, and consumer protections under the guise of promoting fair trade among the U.S. and 11 Pacific rim countries.