Paper Summary:

This paper explains that fast track trade legislation in the US is the process by which the President can introduce legislation to Congress involving trade agreements with foreign countries. The author points out that this type of legislation is unique in that there is a time limit on any debate and that the legislation must either be passed without modification or rejected altogether. The paper relates that the justification for fast track legislation is that it expedites trade negotiations with other countries but still allows congressional oversight. The author presents the issues of globalization, natural resource depletion, labor organizations and poverty in relationship to fast track free trade legislation.

From the Paper:

"Labor organizations oppose free trade because it can mean a loss of jobs in certain sectors of the U.S. economy. The increase in globalization has also given rise to a large number of U.S. firms relocating production processes to other countries to benefit from cheaper labor costs. Labor intensive industries such as manufacturing and textiles have almost entirely left the United States. While American consumers as a whole benefit from lower prices for these goods when they are imported back to the United States workers who have lost their jobs may have a hard time finding new employment."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brainard, L. & Shapiro, H. (2001). Fast Track Trade Promotion Authority - Policy Brief 91. The Brookings Institute. Retrieved May, 14, 2007 from http://www.brookings.edu/printme.wbs?page=/comm/policybriefs/pb91.htm
• DanBed, D., Nordstrom, H. & Winters, L. (2001). Special studies: Trade, Income Disparity & Poverty. World Trade Organization. Retrieved May 14, 2007 from http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/special_study_5_e.pdf
• Krugman, P. (2001, April 22). Hearts & Heads. New York Times: OP-ED WK / p 17.
• Nordstrom, H. & Vaughan, S. (1999). Special Studies: Trade & Environment. World Trade Organization. Retrieved May 14, 2007 from http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/special_study_4_e.pdf

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