Votes on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) were held Friday in the U.S. House of Representatives, but for many it was unclear what exactly happened – did it pass or didn’t it?

Yes and no. The actual Trade Promotion Authority bill passed, but the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) portion of the bill that was separated out in the House, supposedly as a way to get more Democrats to vote for it, failed.

National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling was disappointed by the outcome. “We hope that both houses of Congress and the White House can quickly resolve their differences and find a path forward. This legislation would bring us one step closer to open markets and greater access to millions of consumers living beyond our borders. It’s time for Congress to put aside petty politics, and stand up for American agriculture.”

On the other hand, the House lack of action made National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson happy. “NFU is hopeful this action gives Congress the time to rethink granting the president the ability to bypass Congress’s constitutional check on trade negotiations, an ability that has served as a major setback for America’s workers, family farmers and ranchers and this nation’s future prosperity,” said Johnson.

The expectation is that there will be some second chance this week to get TAA approved in the House. “We call on Democrats and Republicans in the House to come together and resolve their differences on TAA so we can get back to the business of building strong relationships between American farmers and customers around the world,” said American Soybean Association president Wade Cowan.