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Senate passes TPA bill

 

The U.S. Senate has approved Trade Promotion Authority legislation on a bi-partisan vote of 62 to 37.  The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

Several commodity organization leaders issued statements immediately following the vote. Here is a sampling of the reaction.

National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling:

“Thank you to the senators who voted in favor of Trade Promotion Authority. This legislation is critical to removing trade barriers, expanding our access to global markets, and ensuring farmers get the best possible trade agreements. America’s farmers and ranchers are counting on the House of Representatives to step up and pass this important legislation as soon as possible.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Philip Ellis:

“This vote by the Senate is a clear indication of the support that exists nationwide for future free trade agreements. The U.S. market is already one of the most open markets in the world, and to continue to grow demand for U.S. beef, we must continue to negotiate tariff elimination worldwide. I urge the House to follow the lead of the Senate and pass Trade Promotion Authority legislation.”

American Soybean Association president Wade Cowan:

“The Senate took the first step today to ensure that the success of American farmers in international markets can continue. For the past fifteen years, soybean farmers have been the leading ambassadors for American agriculture overseas, in large part due to the ability of USTR to craft agreements that maximize access for our products in markets around the world. Since 2007, however, our ability to maintain this role has been hampered by the absence of Trade Promotion Authority. In that time, despite valiant efforts by USTR, we haven’t been able to be as aggressive in crafting new agreements as our competitors in South America, which have caught up and, in some cases, eclipsed us.

“But today’s vote has changed that. We’re a step away from equipping our negotiators with the tools they need to fully represent the interests of American soybean farmers. We thank Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden for their persistence on this bill, and we look forward to Chairman Ryan’s efforts in the House. It is imperative that House members recognize the potential of trade agreements to contribute to the success of the American economy in general, and our farm economy in particular. We call on all members of the House to support TPA when it comes to the floor in June, and we look forward to getting back to business overseas.”

National Milk Producers Federation president and CEO Jim Mulhern:

“Trade promotion authority is crucial to concluding trade agreements that will open foreign markets to more U.S. dairy products,” said. “In the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations in particular, having TPA in place is essential to increase pressure on Japan and Canada to extend their best offers.”

U.S. Dairy Export Council president Tom Suber:

“Knowing that a trade agreement will be considered by Congress under Trade Promotion Authority paves the way to press our negotiating partners to make their best offers on the most sensitive issues. Clearly, dairy exports fall into that category, and the U.S. needs all the tools it can muster to get the best possible deal.”

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack also issued a statement on the Senate’s passage of TPA:

“Today the Senate helped move America closer to securing responsible agreements that open markets for America’s farmers, ranchers and agribusiness and create jobs and improve wages across the country. Over 70 organizations representing America’s farmers and ranchers, and past secretaries of agriculture in both parties dating back to the Carter Administration all support trade promotion authority because export sales are vital for U.S. agriculture. Last year, agricultural exports totaled more than $150 billion and for many of our products, foreign markets represent half or more of total sales. Those exports supported approximately 1 million U.S. jobs last year. The economy is strengthened and better paying jobs are created in rural America and communities throughout the country by the additional economic activity that flows from expanded farm and food businesses.

“Standing still is not an option. Our farmers and ranchers face exorbitant tariffs and others barriers in important foreign markets, and if we do not act to maintain and gain market share in these places, our competitors will. U.S. agriculture’s interests are best served by ensuring America is at the table with strong negotiating authority.”