WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted to approve a stand-alone version of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) that was approved by the House last week. The heavily Republican-favored bill passed with the help of 13 Democrats and is currently awaiting the President's signature to formally become law.
The passage of the TPA legislation will allow the President to negotiate trade agreements and present them to Congress for strictly an up or down vote without the amendment process. The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is now ready to be formally negotiated before it's presented to Congress later this fall.
"Passage of TPA allows for potential new trade deals that expand overseas access for U.S. rice, hopefully growing our export market," said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward. "Challenges remain, however, and the final push to complete the TPP negotiations is expected to begin shortly."
Contact:
Bob Cummings (703) 236-1473