Trans-Pacific Partnership faces daunting challenges to get U.S. on board

An agreement was reached this week on the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), with the deal now being reviewed by Congress.

However, bipartisan opposition to the agreement in Congress and the backdrop of a presidential campaign will make the road to approval a rocky one.

“Opening overseas markets to American products and services has the potential to ignite our economy and create good-paying new jobs,” U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) said.

Trade supports one in five jobs in Buchanan’s home state of Florida.

The TPP would be one of the largest trade deals in history, uniting two-fifths of the global economy in a series of common rules that would govern trans-Pacific commerce. Proponents argue the deal would be a safeguard against the growth of Chinese influence.

In contrast, opponents have seized on anti-trade sentiment in the presidential campaign, a veil of secrecy surrounding the negotiations and a general distrust of the Obama administration have united factions from both major political parties in opposition to the deal.

Now, Congress will review and approve or deny America’s participation in the TPP. The divisions on this issue cross party lines, creating unusual coalitions, but the central question, regardless of reaction to first impressions of the bill, is what is best for the nation.

“I look forward to reviewing the details of this proposed agreement to ensure it is fair and good for America,” Buchanan said.