Entertainment and Telco lobbyists have worked their way into the Office of United States Trade Representative, writing protectionists clauses into international trade agreements such as TPP and ACTA. These agreements seek to rescind consumer protections such as the First Sale Doctrine (which allows you to sell what you own), and they have already restricted mobile phone unlocking. All in the name of "job creation."
Without an act of Congress these agreements cannot be written into law, and at that point are not enforceable. However, members of Congress do not want to be seen going against an "international agreement" for political reasons, even thought it is entirely within their discretion to do so.
If you are sick of lobbyists restricting our liberties, please support this petition.