Number: RL33864
Title: Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Renewal: Core Labor Standards Issues
Authors: Mary Jane Bolle, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Trade promotion authority (TPA), formerly known as "fast-track" authority, is scheduled to expire July 1, 2007. With it will expire the authority: (a) that Congress grants the President to enter into certain trade agreements, and (b) for Congress to consider the agreements' implementing legislation under expedited procedures. Currently, the Administration is negotiating a number of trade agreements that may not be completed before the current TPA is set to expire. If these activities are to continue, TPA/fast-track renewal may be a central issue in the 110th Congress. Within the debate, a major issue is expected to be whether to include as a principal negotiating objective in trade agreements, "enforceable core labor standards."
Pages: 20
Date: August 29, 2007