National Nurses United announced that that its nurse members will be joining a sit in, along with community organizations, at the offices of Rep. Jim Costa today urging him to shift his position and vote “No” on dangerous trade deals that have dire consequences for public health and patient safety.

Nurses say they are taking part in the sit in to hold Costa accountable as a final vote approaches on a component of a three-part bill to “Fast Track” the risky Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

“Nurses know firsthand that trade deals such as the TPP are literally a matter of life and death—as they threaten to allow corporate interests to balloon the price of lifesaving medication beyond what seniors, families, HIV/AIDS patients, diabetics and others can afford,” says Jean Ross, Co-President of NNU. “The TPP would also allow big companies to overturn laws that protect our environment and our food—regulations that keep people healthy and out of the hospital. Nurses are not going to stand by while that happens. In Fresno, they are going to sit in.” 

What: Sit-In and Vigil at Offices of Rep. Jim Costa
When: Tuesday, June 16, beginning 8 am
Where: 855 M Street, Suite 940, Fresno, CA

Last week, Rep. Costa voted yes on two sections of a three-part bill that would allow “Fast Track” approval for the TPP. One section was struck down, stalling the entire “Fast Track” bill, but with another vote to reconsider approaching, nurses are urging Rep. Costa to stand with patients and working families and vote “No” on Fast Track.

“Nurses are here for our patients in Fresno.  We know that every day our patients are already struggling,” says Fresno resident and Labor and Delivery nurse Cathy Davis, RN. “We expect Rep. Costa to stand with our community, and we are here in his office urging him to vote on the right side of public health.  In the name of what’s good for the people of Fresno, and the people of America, our nurses won’t budge until his vote does.”