Representative Patrick Meehan (R-PA) sponsored H.R. 1314, the Trade Act of 2015, which approves “fast track” trade promotion authority for international trade agreements. Fast track allows the administration to send already-signed international trade deals to Congress for an up or down vote with limited debate and no amendments, severely hampering Congress’ ability to ensure these agreements benefit communities and protect our environment. Given the scope of these massive agreements and their implications on environmental policies and protections around the world, Congress and the American public have a right to know what is in these deals before negotiations are finished. However, the fast track process established in H.R. 1314 severely lacks both accountability and transparency and does not result in the “race to the top” that is necessary to make real, enforceable progress on environmental and public health issues in these agreements. On June 12, the House approved H.R. 1314 by a vote of 219-211 (House roll call vote 362). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. President Obama signed fast track authority into law on June 29.