WH shifts on trade transparency / AFL-CIO still unhappy w/ TPP

[Panich52]

WH tries to address transparency concerns over TPP. The Hill:

“The full text of the TPP was previously available to all lawmakers to review upon request. Now, they will be able to review the text at their convenience, without the presence of administration officials, in the congressional security office. In addition, the USTR’s office will provide classified easy-to-read summaries to accompany the legal text aimed at helping lawmakers navigate the current version of the agreement … Critics [said] the administration’s latest overture was insufficient. ‘It’s too little, too late,’ Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) said…”

More
http://thehill.com/policy/finance/236226-democratic-critics-rebuff-latest-white-house-trade-overture



AFL-CIO’s Richard Trumka takes on WH claims about TPP containing China. The Hill:

“He countered White House arguments that without the TPP, which involves 12 nations from the Asia-Pacific to Latin America, China will write global trade rules and leave the United States behind … ‘If anything, TPP gives China improved access to our market (via weak rules of origin), undermines existing understandings with China in the area of carbon emissions and paves the way for China to enjoy the full benefits of TPP without addressing its use of currency policies to subsidize its exports.'”

More
http://thehill.com/policy/finance/236205-trumka-argues-trade-policy-needs-to-focus-on-benefiting-workers

[djean111]

1. I think the "China" threat, as far as trade rules goes, is bogus.

‘If anything, TPP gives China improved access to our market (via weak rules of origin), undermines existing understandings with China in the area of carbon emissions and paves the way for China to enjoy the full benefits of TPP without addressing its use of currency policies to subsidize its exports.'”

And, I think the bulk of the agreement is not trade at all, just corporate-written corporate giveaways.