Lucas,
Hear that squeaking noise?
It's the rapidly revolving door at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative — the federal agency behind disastrous trade policies like the TPP.
Here's the latest:
Robert Holleyman — an industry shill for the Business Software Alliance who was a primary cheerleader for the anti-Internet freedom bills known by the acronyms SOPA and PIPA — has been nominated to be a deputy trade representative at USTR.
This post would position Holleyman to demand other countries adopt SOPA and PIPA-like provisions.
Tell the Senate not to confirm Robert Holleyman as deputy USTR.
The revolving door goes full circle at USTR.
For decades, the agency has taken its top officials from industry. The current head of USTR, Michael Froman, is a former Citigroup executive.
And countless trade negotiators have left the agency to work in trade associations, as lobbyists and otherwise. Indeed, Holleyman's successor at the Business Software Alliance is Victoria Espinel — who previously worked at USTR!
Robert Holleyman is not just the latest example of USTR's revolving door problem.
He may also be one of the worst.
The Internet has brought amazing transformation to the world. Its success has depended largely on its free and open nature. People like Holleyman have worked to expand copyright monopolies in ways that threaten the viability of the Internet.
Tell the Senate to reject Holleyman's nomination to be a key trade negotiator.
Thank you for taking action today.
Onward,
Robert Weissman
President, Public Citizen