VOTE SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6th.

Big business is trying to push a "Fast Track" bill through the U.S. House of Representatives (HR 2149). Introduced by the House Republican leadership, "Fast Track" (or what’s now called "trade promotion authority") is the legislative scheme that would give President Bush the power to negotiate job-killing trade deals and then ram them through Congress with no amendments and almost no debate. This undemocratic and corrupt mechanism was used to rush NAFTA through Congress in 1993, and more than 766,000 good jobs have been destroyed as a result (see "NAFTA at Seven" at www.epinet.org).

Manufacturing workers have been hit hard by trade deals that help corporations move our jobs to low-wage sweatshops around the world. And public sector workers suffer as companies close, tax bases erode, and politicians use it as an excuse to cut budgets and lay off public employees.

The Republican House leadership gave up trying to bring this bill to a vote prior to this summer's Congressional recess — but they're working hard (along with big business lobbyists and the Bush Administration) twisting arms to win support for the bill right now. 

Working people stopped "Fast Track" three times during the 1990s, and we’ll stop trade promotion authority in order to protect our jobs and families! The House vote could come at any time; here’s what you can do (in addition to printing and posting this flier):
   

Make that call today, during your lunch break, or as soon as you get home; the numbers are 800-393-1082 or 202-224-3121. You'll get a recorded message and then be asked for a zip code. You may simply tell the person who answers to tell your representative to vote NO on Trade Promotion Authority — or you can ask for your Representative (or his/her staff members). Give your name and address and insist that they VOTE NO on trade promotion authority (fast track). Encourage your co-workers, friends and family to call, too. Also: call the toll-free number set up by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at 888-832-4246.
   

It's as simple as this:

Dear Representative______________________:

I insist that you VOTE NO on the trade promotion authority (fast track) scheme to rush more job-killing trade deals through Congress.

Sincerely,

Your Name_______________________
Address_________________________ 
UE Local_____

(Take paper to work and urge co-workers to write a letter at lunchtime.)

Fax numbers can be obtained from the U.S. House Website or from the Electronic Activist. 
  

Most members of Congress have an e-mail address. Call their office, or visit www.house.gov  to obtain their e-mail address.

Another quick and easy way to email your Members of Congress is through the Electronic Activist ... a few click and your message will be on its way (clicking on this link will open the Electronic Activist website in a new browser window)!
  

Visit your Representative. Get the address of their local Congressional office. Call and make an appointment to visit the office right after work with a delegation from your workplace. Link up with UE Locals and other unions in your area.
  

• Write a letter to the editor (better yet, organize a letter-writing campaign so that at least two letters opposing "Trade Promotion Authority" appear in the paper every day!). 

• Organize a visibility event: a press conference or a rally.

• Find out your Member's public schedule (town hall meetings, constituency sessions, etc.) — this information will be available from their local office. Ask people to attend these sessions to ask questions about Fast Track.
  

United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE)

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