If the Obama administration can build enough support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the trade deal will come to a vote this fall. But many representatives claim they are still undecided.
Lori Wallach, director of Public Citizens’ Global Trade Watch, said it is already likely the administration will find enough support in the U.S. Senate to pass the deal, but it still has work to do in the House. All that’s needed is a simple majority in both the U.S. House and Senate.
On Aug. 4, 2016, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown came out in support of the TPP with an announcement that drew criticism from local labor unions.
“Oregon’s unions continue to stand united in our opposition to the TPP, because it’s a bad deal for working people in our state,” wrote Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain in response to Brown’s announcement.
RELATED: Anti-Flag, Downtown Boys to headline anti-TPP tour stop in Portland
Many of Oregon’s representatives who say they are undecided on the controversial trade deal also voted in favor of Fast Track, which was written to expedite the passage of TPP through Congress. Trade deal watchdog groups have used votes in favor of Fast Track as an indicator of who is likely to also vote in favor of the TPP.
Here’s a rundown of where Oregon representatives stand, along with contact information:
Oregon’s U.S. representatives
Suzanne Bonamici (D-District 1)
Position on TPP: Undecided
Vote on Fast Track: Yes
Email her at bonamici.house.gov
Phone: 503-469-6010
Greg Walden (R-District 2)
Position on TPP: Likely in favor
Vote on Fast Track: Yes
(His office did not respond with his current standing, but he has expressed support of the deal in the past.)
Email him at walden.house.gov
Phone: 202-225-6730
Earl Blumenauer (D-District 3)
Position on TPP: Undecided
Vote on Fast Track: Yes
Email him at blumenauer.house.gov
Phone: 503-231-2300
Peter Defazio (D-District 4)
Position on TPP: Opposed
Vote on Fast Track: No
Email him at defazio.house.gov
Phone: 202-225-6416
Kurt Schrader (D-District 5)
Position on TPP: Supportive, but still reviewing the bill
Vote on Fast Track: Yes
Email him at schrader.house.gov
Phone: 202-225-5699
Oregon’s U.S. senators
Ron Wyden (D)
Position on TPP: Undecided
Vote on Fast Track: Yes
Email him at wyden.senate.gov
Phone: 503-326-7525
Jeff Merkley (D)
Position on TPP: Opposed
Vote on Fast Track: No
Email him at merkley.senate.gov
Phone: 503-326-3386
