Occupy Providence protests international trade bill

By Tracee M. Herbaugh

Journal Staff Writer

Posted Apr. 17, 2015 at 6:31 PM
Updated Apr 17, 2015 at 6:32 PM

PROVIDENCE - Members of the Occupy Providence movement gathered in Kennedy Plaza Friday to protest fast-tracking a largely secret international trade bill, which critics argue gives corporations power to challenge democratic laws.

"We're here to let legislators know how strongly we disapprove of this bill," said Pat Fontes, who organized the protest of about 20 people. "We should not have the treaty if lawmakers don't have all the time they need to research and amend it."

U.S. lawmakers will soon decide if the Trans-Pacific Pact, or TPP, will get a special "fast-track" status under the Trade Promotion Authority law, which would allow President Obama to expedite the bill through Congress. By doing so, Congress would have 90 days to vote on TPP as a whole package without the chance to make changes.

Most of TPP's details remain secret, and have largely been worked out by Obama and a regular group of trade advisers. WikiLeaks has published parts of the bill. So far, Obama loyalists oppose the 12-country deal, saying it will move jobs off shore and give power to corporations through a tribunal system set up by the World Bank and United Nations. Corporations could file legal action against a country if they lose profits because of federal, state or local laws. Most Republicans in Congress support the bill, arguing it will bring broad gains for consumers and the economy.

The Occupy movement is set to hold protests against TPP throughout the country on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. If fast-track authority is approved, Fontes said there will likely be protests until Congress votes on the bill.

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