Chamber of Commerce Dismisses Congressional Concern Over 'Secret' TPP Talks
A Chamber of Commerce trade official hit back at congressional criticism of opaque Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations on Jan. 7, saying pressure from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and others to disclose the negotiating texts is “misguided” and dangerous. Going public with…
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the texts will showcase U.S. strategy in trying to get the best agreement possible, and such a move may jeopardize the prospect of a final agreement, said the group's international trade expert John Murphy in a blog post (here). Sanders called on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to release the text to his staff and chosen consultants, not to the general public (see 1501050019). “Disclosure of negotiating texts would risk giving foreign governments a roadmap to U.S. sensitivities and ‘red lines’ that could be used to our disadvantage,” said Murphy, echoing a common USTR argument that lawmakers are able to view the texts if they choose to do so. “It could produce a weaker agreement that isn’t in the public interest at all—at significant cost to American workers and companies.” Murphy called on Sanders to participate in the trade debate during consideration of Trade Promotion Authority. A TPA bill may be introduced in Congress by March, some observers say (see 1501040001).