Obama Ready to Work With Congress on TPP Deal Before Signing

US President Barack Obama said that Congress and the American people will have months to read every word of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement before he signs it.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US administration is willing to work with Congress on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal before it gets ratified, US President Barack Obama said in a statement on Monday.

"Once negotiators have finalized the text of this partnership, Congress and the American people will have months to read every word before I sign it. I look forward to working with lawmakers from both parties as they consider this agreement," Obama said.

Twelve countries of the Pacific-Rim region on Monday reached an agreement on the wording and subject matter of the TPP deal.

The deal is expected to be voted on in the US Congress early next year.

Besides the United States and Canada, the deal includes Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, Brunei, Chile, Singapore and Malaysia.

The controversial trade pact is expected to cover about 40 percent of the global economy. Uncertain implications for workers’ rights, employment and the environment have drawn heavy criticism from many members of government, as well as labor unions and watchdogs.