The House voted in favor of H.R. 3005 on December 6, 2001 by a vote of 215 to 214. click here to see how your congressman voted. This bill now goes to the Senate where hearings are to begin on December 11, 2001. Take action today.
The full Senate will begin debate in April. President Bush has requested the Senate to pass this legislation before April 22nd. Democrats have said that debate could delay a vote in the Senate until mid-May. If the bill is amended in the Senate, it will return to the House to be voted on a second time.
"Fast track" legislation is where the Congress gives the President the authority to negotiate trade agreements without any interference from congress.
After the President has negotiated the trade agreement the Congress must then vote it up or down with little or no debate and without any amendments.
Giving the President "fast track" authority would empower him to negotiate a "free Trade Area of the Americas" which would be a big step toward world government
The "fast track" legislation in 1991 was the legislation that gave us the NAFTA Treaty and the GATT WTO (World Trade Organization) in 1994.
"Fast track" legislation was defeated in 1997 and 1998, but it looks as though there will be much tougher opposition this time.
- Call, fax, or e-mail your Senators letting them know that you oppose H.R.3005, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)
Capitol Hill Switchboard (202) 224-3121
- Call the White House at (202) 456- 1414 and register your vote against Trade Promotion Authority and the Free Trade Area of the Americas
