Stop TPP...

Progressives ready big ad buy targeting trade deal

By KYLE CHENEY

A coalition of labor, environmental and progressive interests is launching a seven-figure ad campaign aimed at pressuring congressional Democrats to block legislation that would expedite an Obama administration-backed trade deal with the United States’ Pacific allies.

The so-called Coalition to Stop Fast Track, which includes the AFL-CIO, declined to disclose its targets, but a coalition spokesman said the ad would be aimed primarily at members who had yet to take a public position on the proposal, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership fast-track bill. It’s also set to run in Washington.

Labor groups generally oppose the bill because of its potential to encourage low-wage jobs overseas.
The ad features a fast-moving train while a male narrator warns that if the trade deal passes Congress, “we will be railroaded.”

“Fast track, it’s just another bad trade deal, a deal that would give corporations sweeping power, kill jobs, weaken the economy, drive down wages and even allow toxic food to enter U.S. markets unchecked,” the narrator says. “We know the price of these bad trade bills. Don’t let Congress railroad America’s working families.”

The bill has divided Democrats, with members of the party’s progressive wing mobilizing to oppose it.

POLITICO reported Tuesday that Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid won’t attempt to hold up the bill, despite personal opposition. Though Reid said he urged Finance Committee ranking member Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to slow it down, Republicans say they are confident the bill will pass committee and possibly hit the Senate floor by next week, when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is visiting Washington.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he expected it to come to a vote by Memorial Day.