CRS report via FAS – The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Strategic Implications, February 3, 2016.
“…Although most U.S. observers agree it is in the U.S. interest to lead in establishing global and regional trade rules, less consensus exists on what those rules should be, yielding some criticism on the strength and breadth of various TPP provisions. In addition, some argue that crafting new rules through “mega-regional” agreements rather than the WTO could undermine the multilateral trading system, create competing trading blocs, lead to trade diversion, and marginalize the countries not participating in regional initiatives. Trade agreements occur at the intersection of foreign and domestic policy, which can create tensions in balancing competing policy priorities…Key issues Congress faces as it continues its role regarding TPP include : (1) how strongly to weigh geo-political implications of TPP; (2 ) the potential impact of the TPP on the multilateral trading system and other trade and economic institutions; and (3) the possible expansion of the agreement to include additional members.”