The New York Times reported over the weekend that congressional agreement had been struck to give President Obama so-called “fast track” authority for the Trans-Pacific Parnership (TPP) – the US-led trade agreement between 12 Pacific Rim nations, including Australia.
Fast Track authority would give the President the ability to reach a deal on the TPP without enduring cumbersome review and amendment processes from Congress. Effectively, Congress would be allowed only to vote “yes” or “no” to the negotiated deal, eliminating the possibility for anyone outside of a few selected elites to change the content of the agreement.
