House passes resolution encouraging withdrawal from Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America

The House has passed a resolution calling on Congress to abandon a partnership that critics say is a step toward a European Union style merger of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, or at least provide oversight.

"Many people say this is nothing more than working groups," said Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, sponsor of HR1, which encourages withdrawal from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. "All we are asking with this resolution is to bring it into the light of day."

Sandstrom said Utah would be the 14th state to pass such a resolution, and that if enough states speak up, then Congress would have to take note.

Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, said the partnership does have some value in public health, specifically pandemic flus. She pointed to a cooperative research effort to track migratory birds.

"We know at least in the health area it has been very helpful," Allen said. "We have been safe because of the cooperative effort."

Last year, a similar joint resolution failed after House approval because of a lack of Senate action. Monday's 57-15 vote will be the final action on the bill because it is solely a House resolution.