Ridiculous: Radical 'Free Trader' to Head Obama's Trade Enforcement Apparatus

Posted by David Sirota, Open Left at 9:26 AM on February 3, 2009.

Per Chris's post this morning, I just wanted to remind folks that Judd Gregg (R-NH) - who has built up a record of voting for every single corporate-written trade deal of the last generation - will now be heading the government agency that is supposed to enforce the meager fair trade laws we have on the books, and whatever new fair trade laws get passed.

That's right, the Commerce Department is the home of the International Trade Administration, whose mission is to "ensure fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements." During the Bush administration, this key agency was used to enforce the protectionist provisions in trade deals that help corporations - stuff like patents and intellectual property. But it could also be used to enforce the minimal human rights, anti-dumping and anti-currency-manipulation provisions in trade deals, as well.

And though Barack Obama campaigned on specific fair trade promises, it's hard to believe that the government's trade enforcement apparatus will be focused on fair trade now that Gregg will run it.  

Tagged as: obama, new hampshire, gregg