Importance

Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), also known as Fast Track, allows the president to negotiate trade agreements with other countries. It simplifies the process of congressional consideration of such agreements by requiring a straight yes or no vote with no amendments permitted. It gives trading partners confidence that the agreements negotiated with the United States will not be changed by federal lawmakers.

Background

Congress allowed President Bush’s TPA to expire July 30, 2007. Previously, when President Bush was granted TPA, Congress passed free trade agreements (FTA) with Australia, Singapore, Morocco, Chile, and the six Dominican Republic-Central America FTA countries. South Korea, Colombia and Panama were each signed prior to the expiration of TPA and were passed in 2011 under TPA rules.

NPPC Position

NPPC supports the congressional authorization of presidential TPA. New and expanded market access through trade agreements has been the most important catalyst for increased U.S. pork exports, and TPA expedites congressional approval of trade agreements.