Sunday, November 15 from 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the San Juan Island Grange, Friday Harbor
— from the office of U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen —
Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, is inviting constituents to join him for public meetings about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement and other issues that are important to people in Northwest Washington.
Larsen wants to hear constituents’ thoughts and questions about the TPP, a trade agreement between the U.S. and 11 other countries. He also will take questions about other issues that are on constituents’ minds.
Residents of the Second Congressional District and press are invited to attend.
Anacortes – Tuesday, November 10
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Anacortes City Hall
904 6th Street
Bellingham – Friday, November 13
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bellingham City Hall
210 Lottie Street
South Snohomish County – Saturday, November 14
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION TBD
Clinton – Saturday, November 14
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Clinton Community Hall
6411 South Central Avenue
Friday Harbor – Sunday, November 15
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
San Juan Island Grange
152 First Street North
Isn’t it a bit late to hear what we think? We’ve signed onto the TPP.
No, I believe we are now in the public phase of the process. This process is succinctly summarized by Kelsey Snell, and incorporated into a Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/10/06/will-congress-approve-the-trans-pacific-partnership/
“The first steps are expected to begin later this week when the White House formally sends Congress a notice of intent to sign the agreement, which kicks off a 90-day waiting period. Congress gets to spend the first 30 days of that time privately reviewing the documents and consulting with the administration.
Next comes the public phase. The full trade deal will be open for anyone to review for 60 days, allowing interest groups to provide feedback. This window will provide critical insight into how much popular support the deal may receive. A poor reception during the public phase could make it difficult for Obama to rally support when it comes time for Congress to vote.
The next step will be for the U.S. International Trade Commission to conduct a full economic review of the deal. The agency has up to 105 days to complete that work but the process could take much less time.
Once the implementing bill is introduced in the House and the Senate, Congress has a maximum of 90 days to approve or disapprove the trade deal but can move much more quickly.”
Another article describing the legislative process behind free trade agreement is https://conginst.org/2011/12/12/trade-or-treaty-why-does-the-house-approve-free-trade-agreements/
It’s not too late to let our representatives know how we feel about TPP. They will vote yes or no some time after the 90 day review period. Now is the time to join the conversation.
Maybe this is the “new normal” for our Congress Peg. Vote first, ask your Constituents AFTER the vote. When do the Citizens get to read TPP? Considering that TPP Invalidates OUR Constitution!
Spirit Eagle
Good luck trying to read it all even in the full 90 day period. 2 million words/22 thousand per DAY! They have no interest in what we think.