McDermott thanked for opposing Fast Track in committee vote

(April 27, 2015) — The following statement by Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, regarding Congressman Jim McDermott’s “no” vote and rejection of “Fast Track” Trade Promotion Authority was released Monday.

For the past nine months labor and community members have been organizing, educating, and speaking out against Trade Promotion Authority — also known as Fast Track — that will rush the secretly negotiated Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement through Congress, providing little time for meaningful discussion and no possibility for amendments or changes.

Congressman Jim McDermott (D-7th) has heard the community and voted NO on Fast Track out the House Ways and Means Committee on April 23, 2015. His vote was a vote for transparency, serious dialogue, fair trade, and a vote for real democracy.

Congressman McDermott, on behalf of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, thank you for trusting and respecting your constituents, and workers and community members across America. With your courageous vote you have acknowledged that working people have something important to say about labor rights, environmental standards and climate, public policy, and income inequality.

ALSO at The Stand:

Washington State Democrats urge NO vote on Fast Track (April  24)

Massive Washington state coalition: ‘NO on Fast Track!’ (April 22)

Secret trade deals, Fast Track thwart our cherished democracy (by Leo W. Gerard, April 20)

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