The Hill: Obama’s trade deal is in trouble
“…The reactions [to the recently released full text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)] — from lukewarm support to outright hostility — have led many to believe the deal doesn’t have the votes to pass Congress. … Brand-name pharmaceutical companies are disappointed with patent protections in the deal, though the trade group PhRMA has yet to take a formal position on the TPP. … A separate provision in the TPP allows governments to impose controls meant to curb smoking and prevents tobacco companies from using the trade agreement’s dispute settlement system to sue for damages on their investments…” (Swanson/Cusack, 11/17).