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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mark Cohen |
  
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Cohen wants legislature to review international trade agreements
HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., recently introduced a resolution that would have a state panel study how and at what degree state legislators could provide input on international trade agreements.
The federal government provides copies of proposed trade agreements to governors, who are given one month to review them and submit comments. Trade agreements may take precedence over state laws and state Supreme Court rulings.
Cohen's resolution (H.R. 799) would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to review various methods for legislative review and to provide a recommendation for Pennsylvania.
"It is important for state lawmakers, in addition to the governor, to have sufficient time and resources to review these agreements and whether the trade agreement infringes upon Pennsylvania’s ability to govern itself or if the trade can benefit the employers and employees in our state," Cohen said.
Several state legislatures have already adopted methods that provide for legislative review and comment regarding trade agreements. In 2006, Utah passed legislation that created an 11-member commission that examines the impact of trade agreements on state policy while California and Maine have created similar measures.
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