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TPA bill could face tougher fight in House

Now that the Senate has passed Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation, the focus turns to the House of Representatives.

Pundits say the legislation could face a more difficult fight in the House, where opposition from Democrats is more entrenched.

Farm and commodity groups are calling on the House to act quickly.  Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association, says the legislation is critical to removing trade barriers and ensuring farmers get the best possible trade agreements.

National Pork Producers Council president Dr. Ron Prestage says failure to pass TPA would send a signal to the world that the United States is turning its back on the Asia-Pacific region – the fastest growing area in the world – and allowing other countries to write the rules for international trade.

House Speaker John Boehner has said that the TPA bill will come up in June, after his chamber returns from a ten-day break that began Thursday.