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House TPA passage applauded by many

Many agricultural groups are applauding House passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and are calling on the Senate to take up and pass the measure.

National Pork Producers Council President Dr. Ron Prestage says passage of TPA will give U.S. trade negotiators the leverage they need to close negotiations on the Trans Pacific Partnership TPP agreement.  He calls TPP “the most significant regional trade agreement ever.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Philip Ellis says that, without TPA, it would be “virtually impossible” to negotiate future agreements with other countries.  He says that would hinder the beef industry’s ability to gain greater access into foreign markets.

Thursday’s vote represented the second time in a week that the House has voted in favor of TPA legislation. The vote last Friday, as part of a trade package, included Trade Adjustment Assistance. Thursday’s vote was on TPA legislation alone. Because it was separated from the trade package, TPA legislation must now go back to the full Senate for reconsideration, which could happen as early as next week.

Dairy groups welcomed the House action.  National Milk Producers Federation president and CEO Jim Mulhern calls trade promotion authority “crucial” to concluding trade agreements that will open foreign markets to more U.S. dairy products. He says TPA passage will signal that the United States is serious about trade negotiations.

The National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association and National Wheat Growers Association also released statements praising the House vote and urging quick action by the Senate.