President Obama signed two trade bills passed by Congress on Monday, one authorizing Trade Promotion Authority and one renewing Trade Adjustment Assistance. The president pointed out that while the bills will help negotiations move forward on trade agreements such as the Transpacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), they are not the actual agreements.

“We still have some tough negotiation that is going to be taking place,” said Obama. “The debate on a particular provision of trade will not end with this bill signing.” President Obama signs trade bills

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who joined the president as he signed the bills, says U.S. agriculture will benefit as trade negotiations move forward now. “This sets a framework for being able to do that,” Vilsack told USDA Radio. “And we know if it gets done, we’re going to see increased agricultural sales, increased exports, better paying jobs, and it’s certainly going to be beneficial to rural America.” Vilsack comments on trade bill signing

“President Obama’s signature today opens the door to creating new trade partnerships around the world that will drive American business forward in the international marketplace,” said American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman. “U.S. agriculture is ready for ambitious trade agreements that break down barriers to products grown and made in America, so our trading partners know we mean business.”