Dorgan Steps Up On Trade

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) just introduced a resolution to deny President Bush's request to extend "fast track" trade authority that Congress granted him a few years back. This authority lets Bush negotiate corporate free trade deals with little to no input from Congress - a power that lets him bypass most labor, human rights and environmental standards.

As AP reports, Dorgan noted that "fast-track authority was responsible for problems with the Central American Free Trade Agreement recently signed with the Dominican Republic and five Central American countries." Farmers are getting quite nervous about the deal - and rightly so. Dorgan also noted the deal would lead to "U.S. jobs going overseas, as companies try to take advantage of low-wage labor in countries with no environmental controls."

To understand why fast track is so bad, check out the Australia free trade deal Bush negotiated under fast track authority. The deal undercut small family farmers in the United States, while also codifying laws that make sure medicine prices stay high.

Senators who are serious about representing America's workers should sign onto Dorgan's bill immediately. Trade pacts are among the most important and far-reaching economic policies that affect average Americans - and no president should have the ability to circumvent Congress in negotiating them.