DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JUNE 15TH
We are extending the deadline for submission of signatures until June 15th. It was hard to predict a month ago just how soon the Administration would move to ask for ‘Fast Track'. Some had even doubted if it was going to happen, given the previous Democratic questioning of the current Trade Model. But with the now infamous ‘deal' which was cooked in early May, between the Administration, Mr. Rangel and Ms. Pelosi, the tables seem to be turning.
The backlash from many Democrats who were elected with the promise to promote a new trade policy has had the effect of slowing down movement on passage of the 4 pending FTAs and Fast Track. But we are now beginning to see the propaganda machine cranking up, with recent editorials in the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times detailing why we must support our most faithful ally (Colombia) by signing a trade agreement with them. Even when the ‘deal' was announced, Colombia was signaled out as different from the other countries because of the proven involvement of so many members of the government in death squad activities. It is now clear that they intend to push this FTA as well, and from there to Fast Track.
At this point the legislative calendar is so tight, Fast Track may even expire before they can vote on an extension, but it is still difficult to predict the timeline. What seems sure, that without sustained pressure, the Democrats will fold on Fast Track just like they are doing on the pending FTAs. Please help us keep up the pressure!
