“Governments and private citizens cannot file complaints,” DeFazio said. “Only corporations can file suits that go before a private tribunal.”

DeFazio said some people say the TPP is modeled after the U.S. trade agreement with South Korea.

“But that is a disaster,” DeFazio said. “We have sold maybe 7,000 more cars into South Korea, while they have exported more than 300,000 cars into the U.S.”

DeFazio said President Obama has supported the TPP, in part, “because he has little or no knowledge of economics.”

He said some Oregon farm products may benefit from the TPP such as wineries, but he believes far more will be hurt by it.

The Lebanon audience came prepared with questions ranging from the state of the nation to veterans benefits issues and the 2016 presidential campaign.

DeFazio responded to questions about the following:

• Would he consider running for President? “Maybe if I won the Lottery,” DeFazio said. “I believe I could do as well or better (than some past presidents) in a number of areas.”