Yesterday, by a vote of 60 to 38, the Senate passed legislation renewing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) for the Obama administration. With the Senate’s action, the legislation will now go to the president, who is expected to sign the bill in the days ahead. The vote follows the strong bi-partisan support this legislation garnered in the Senate last month in addition to last week in the House.

Upon passage, Western Growers President and CEO, Tom Nassif said, “Today’s action represents a significant win for the fresh produce industry.  Through strong leadership in the House and Senate we have seen members on both sides of the aisle reach out in the spirit of compromise and pass pragmatic legislation that will address real economic issues.  Following today’s Senate vote, we especially commend Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John McCain (R-AZ), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Cory Gardner (R-CO) for resisting opposition in both parties and continually supporting this important trade negotiating tool as the congressional process unfolded over the last month.”

With TPA renewal, attention will now shift to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. Look for the July edition of the Western Grower and Shipper Magazine for several articles describing the importance of trade, the TPP negotiations, and more. Western Growers will continue engaging with congressional stakeholders and U.S. negotiators as this agreement comes to a conclusion.

For more information, contact Ken Barbic at (202) 296-0191.