Grain Groups Commend Bush on TPA

April 10, 2002

Two leading grain-based organizations have commended President Bush for renewing his call on the U.S. Senate to act promptly on legislation granting the administration trade promotion authority.

"The president clearly recognizes that expanding trade is the best opportunity U.S. agriculture and many other sectors of our economy have to grow in the future," said the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA). "But for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses to capture growing world markets, the United States needs to aggressively pursue reductions in trade barriers and tariffs.

"That can only be achieved if our trading partners can negotiate knowing that the president's trade representatives are empowered to reach comprehensive trade agreements that will be approved or rejected by Congress in their totality, without being amended piecemeal. That is why trade promotion authority is so essential. And time is of the essence!"

In a major event at the State Department on April 4, Bush called on the Senate to begin floor action by April 22 on legislation that would grant the administration trade promotion authority. Bush cited the fact that more than 150 regional free trade and customs agreements now exist worldwide, but that the United States is a party to only three. That compares to 21 for the European Union and 10 for Mexico.

Under trade promotion authority, Congress is required within 90 days to approve or reject - but cannot amend - trade agreements reached between the United States and other countries. The House passed the measure on Dec. 6. The Senate Finance Committee passed the bill on Dec. 12.