President Obama praised the almost-complete Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade deal today, saying the agreement includes strong provisions to protect labor and the environment.
“It includes the strongest commitments on labor and the environment of any trade agreement in history, and those commitments are enforceable, unlike in past agreements,” Obama said in a statement.
“Once negotiators have finalized the text of this partnership, Congress and the American people will have months to read every word before I sign it,” Obama said. “I look forward to working with lawmakers from both parties as they consider this agreement,” said his statement.
The negotiated deal doesn’t become law until it is endorsed by Hill legislators.
Having already won ‘Fast-Track Authority’ from Congress, Obama and his business allies have a good chance of getting Hill approval for the deal. American voters have yet to read the still-secret text of the proposed deal.
According to an administration fact sheet, the agreement “cracks down on ozone-depleting substances as well as ship pollution of the oceans, all while promoting cooperative efforts to address energy efficiency.” The countries also committed efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, and illegal fishing and promote wildlife conservation for whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, rhinos and elephants. Obama also praised the agreement for eliminating more than 18,000 taxes on American products on the overseas market.