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September 25, 1998 Oppose Fast Track, HR 2621 Dear Representative: On behalf of the Sierra Club’s more than 500,000 members, I urge you to oppose Fast Track trade legislation (HR 2621) scheduled for a vote this afternoon in the House of Representatives. The Fast Track procedure can be best judged by its results. Through trade agreements negotiated and adopted under Fast Track rules: our rules protecting endangered sea turtles were judged to be an illegal "trade barrier," even though the rules are fair and protect an internationally recognized endangered species, imports of fresh fruits and vegetables are up, while safety is down, forest health is jeopardized because federal authorities, citing trade rules, refused to set strong measures to stop invasive pests that hitchhike into the country on imported wood, and fearing an adverse ruling in an international trade tribunal, Canada just rolled back an important clean air standard, setting a precedent that could haunt America. To correct the trade rules that promote such conflicts, we need a new, "Right Track" form of trade negotiating authority. "Right Track" would mandate environmental and labor standards in trade agreements and increase the accountability of our trade negotiators to Congress. Regrettably, the House Republican leadership wishes to force a vote on Fast Track to take advantage of difficult political circumstances on the eve of national elections. The American people expect Congress to treat important policy matters such as international trade in a serious, deliberative fashion. I urge you to reject Fast Track, not only to make way for a "Right Track" alternative, but to reject partisan political tactics that only demean the House of Representatives. Sincerely, Carl Pope Executive Director Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club