Senators Basham, Pappageorge, Clark-Coleman, Gleason, Anderson, Hunter, Prusi, Brater and Scott offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 26.

            A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to enact legislation that replaces the outdated Fast Track system so United States trade agreements are developed in a more democratic and inclusive way that protects federalism and state sovereignty.

            Whereas, Democratic, accountable governance in Michigan, and specifically, the authority granted to the legislative branch by the Michigan Constitution, is being undermined by the international commercial and trade rules enforced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and established by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other free trade agreements. State sovereignty is further threatened by similar provisions in an array of pending trade agreements; and

            Whereas, These trade agreements have impacts which extend significantly beyond the bounds of traditional trade matters and instead grant foreign investors and companies rights and privileges that exceed those granted to United States businesses under Michigan and federal law. These privileges provide advantages in such areas as acquisition of land and facilities, local land use, environmental and public health policies, and the formation of contracts; and

            Whereas, The current grant of Fast Track expires in July 2007. Fast Track was established in 1974, when trade agreements were limited to traditional matters such as tariffs and quotas. This system is now woefully outdated and inappropriate given the diverse range of non-trade issues now included in trade agreements that broadly affect federal and state regulatory authority; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the United States Congress to enact legislation that replaces the outdated Fast Track system so United States trade agreements are developed in a more democratic and inclusive way that protects federalism and state sovereignty; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.