Obviously seeking to expand his witch hunting horizons, House Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa requested permission to sit in on trade talks taking place this week in San Diego. His request was officially denied.
(Reuters) - U.S. trade officials on Thursday told a Republican lawmaker at the center of a legal fight with the Obama administration he cannot sit in on trade talks next week in San Diego between the United States and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mac Campbell, assistant U.S. trade representative for congressional affairs, told Representative Darrell Issa in a letter that his request to observe the negotiations was denied, but he and two members of his staff would receive credentials to attend the event as "stakeholders."
"With these credentials you will be able to attend public portions of the event. However, only negotiators from each country are present for negotiation sessions," Campbell said.
Issa said he's concerned that new trade deals may be too "tough" for business. He wants to know what that darn Obama knew and when he knew it!
Whatever his reasoning, I'd like to take a moment to marvel at Darrel Issa essentially being told to sit down and shut up.