Stop the TPP! protest outside Senator Ron Wyden's house

Labor, environmental, and community rights groups across the country, including here in Portland, are in the midst of a week of activism to bring attention to efforts by some U.S. senators to fast-track the so-called Trans-Pacific Partnership through Congress.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, is a NAFTA style trade agreement between the U.S. and eleven other nations circling the Pacific Ocean, and would affect roughly forty percent of the world’s economy.
All negotiations shaping the TPP have taken place in highly secret meetings, with virtually no transparency or input from the public or non-corporate advocacy groups.

The limited information that is available to the public has been leaked, but indicates that the trade agreement would loosen labor laws, establish corporate authority in regional lawsuits, water down environmental regulation, and prioritize corporate monopoly over economic diversity.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch has stated he wants to introduce fast-track legislation for the TPP that would allow the Obama Administration to bypass congressional review and avoid a period of inquiry into the trade agreement.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, who previously opposed the fast-tracking legislation, over the last week voiced support for it.

Today he published a statement that no fast track hearing will be necessary in congress, but activists are concerned about his wavering on this important issue.
A group of Activists have set up a protest, including a tent, where they are ready to wait for Wyden, at his home in south east Portland.

KBOO’s Jenka Soderberg spoke with Paige, one of the protesters at Senator Wyden’s house.