Fast Track Makes it to the Finish Line

Cindy Zimmerman

tpaAfter lots of drama and much political posturing, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) finally cleared the final hurdle before being sent to the president’s desk, passing the U.S. Senate Wednesday by a vote of 60-38.

“The Senate’s bipartisan passage of Trade Promotion Authority today sends a strong signal to foreign governments that we mean business at the bargaining table and are ready to complete new agreements that will break down trade barriers and open new markets from Asia to Europe,” said American Farm Bureau president Bob Stallman.

“Today is a huge victory for America’s corn farmers and the entire agricultural industry,” said National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling of Maryland. ““With major trade negotiations underway in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, today’s vote could not have come at a better time. The U.S. is back in the driver’s seat, negotiating the best possible deal for American farmers and livestock producers in these and other future trade agreements.”

The National Farmers Union, which is opposed to TPA, issued no comment after the vote on Wednesday. Fast track authority allows for the administration to negotiate trade agreements with other countries and allows Congress to only vote them up or down with no amendments. Every president since Franklin Roosevelt has been granted such authority by Congress.

AFBF, NCGA, Trade