Thursday’s U.S. House approval of so-called fast track trade legislation sought by the Obama administration was called a step backward by a group made up of labor unions and environmental associations.

“Passage of this trade legislation in the House today is a step backward for our country,” said Kim Glas, executive director of the BlueGreen Alliance. “These measures undercut fundamental values we’ve fought long and hard to protect and virtually ensure that future trade deals will send jobs overseas and erode our environmental and health protections. We’re deeply disappointed with the members who chose politics and special interests ahead of what’s best for working families, America’s economic future and our environment. We now call upon the Senate to stand firm in rejecting this measure.”