DeLauro, Slaughter Respond to USTR Froman’s Testimony Before Congressional Committees

“Ambassador Froman needs to commit to addressing bipartisan concerns about currency manipulation and release the text of the TPP before expecting Congress to vote on it. Today’s hearings made it clear that members of Congress do not want to abdicate their constitutional authority over trade to President Obama through an antiquated Fast Track process, and will not vote blindly on a deal that could have devastating consequences. After seeing trade deal after trade deal send millions of U.S. jobs overseas, Congress can no longer give this administration--or any future one--the benefit of the doubt, especially given the scope of this particular deal. America’s trade policy has not improved the lives of the middle class and leading economists overwhelmingly agree that trade has contributed to the rise in income inequality. In addition to concerns about jobs and the economy, many on our side are wary that this deal would compromise food safety, and allow other countries to sue us over our environmental and food safety standards. Our constituents deserve better and we will continue to fight for their interests, not the interests of big corporations.”