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Trade Promotion Authority bills introduced in Congress

Bipartisan legislation was introduced in both houses of Congress on Thursday which would grant the President Trade Promotion Authority or “fast track” when negotiating trade deals. The legislation was introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chair Orin Hatch (R-Utah) and ranking member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) in the Senate. Ways and Means Committee Chair Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) introduced the House bill.

The deal requires the Administration’s negotiators to keep Congress informed with details and terms of a deal before it is signed. Senator Wyden says Congress can revoke TPA if a deal fails to meet certain requirements involving human rights, working conditions and environmental safeguards.

The legislation quickly drew praise from a number of farm groups including the American Farm Bureau, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council, National Association of Wheat Growers, American Feed Industry Association, National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council. All urged Congress to pass the authority quickly.

National Farmers Union president Roger Johnson opposes the move saying it removes Congress from the trade negotiating process and will lead to bigger trade deficits.

TPA is seen as a tool needed for U.S. Trade Representatives to complete the negotiations on the Trans Pacific Partnership.

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