A few months ago, many of us were excited by the announcement by various members of Congress that they were forming a Congressional Populist Caucus. Since then, there hasn't been much news about this caucus - until today:
MEDIA ADVISORY
Populist Caucus, House Trade Working Group & Progressive Caucus Members Join to Express Concerns about Panama FTA
Groups sending letter to Speaker outlining problems with the agreement
Washington, DC - Signers of a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressing concerns with the Panama Free Trade Agreement will gather to unveil the letter and discuss their concerns at a press conference today. The letter was led by Populist Caucus Chairman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa), House Trade Working Group Chairman Michael Michaud (D-ME), Progressive Caucus co-chairs Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Populist Caucus Vice-Chair Betty Sutton (D-OH), and Progressive Caucus members Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Phil Hare (D-IL), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). A full list of cosigners and the letter will be released at the press conference.
I'd say this is a perfect issue for the Populist Caucus to get itself involved in. The Panama Free Trade Agreement hits the intersection of rigged trade policies and corporate tax rip offs - two less-noticed but hugely important issues that will require congressional pressure to address.
As noted a few weeks ago, the debate over trade is shifting slowly - and we've already been taught that it is going to take constant pressure for the Obama administration to move in the right direction. Looks like that pressure is ramping up.
STATE BLOGS
