Protesters crashed a Senate hearing with the U.S trade representative Tuesday, using the opportunity to denounce President Obama’s trade agenda. The protesters were quickly removed by Capitol Hill security.
The incident started shortly after Trade Representative Michael Froman began speaking before the Senate Finance Committee. He was there to update the committee on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation trade deal the administration is concluding negotiations on, and to discuss Trade Promotion Authority, legislation the White House wants that would prevent Congress from amending trade deals such as TPP.
“Mr. Froman, you are not telling the American people the truth. We know that the Trans-Pacific Partnership was negotiated in secret for five years,” shouted one protester. She charged that the administration was trying to ram the legislation through Congress before more people learned about the deal. “You know there are things in there that will hurt people,” she charged.
The protester was dragged out, but at least four others continued, including one who unfurled a sign behind Froman that said “TPP Fast Track Job Killing Pact.” They identified themselves as belonging to a group called Popular Resistance.
Committee Chairman Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, scolded the protesters. “I understand that some people have strong feelings about the subject we are talking about today. That’s fine. The First Amendment guarantees your right to express your views but we have to allow civil discussion to occur. … Show some courtesy here.”
When another protester who identified himself as a retired shipbuilder started shouting after Hatch finished, the chairman said: “You are not representing your people. Take him out.”
