Washington, D.C. (May 19, 2015)—The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives today urged the Senate to approve the trade promotion authority (TPA) legislation and to reject any amendment that would jeopardize passage and enactment of the bill. The Senate is currently considering the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (TPA-2015) on the floor.
“The bipartisan TPA bill on the Senate floor this week will establish concrete rules for international trade negotiations and help our negotiators deliver trade agreements that will create new export opportunities for America’s farmers, ranchers and co-ops,” said Chuck Conner, president and CEO of NCFC. “The legislation represents a balanced, bipartisan effort by key Senators and NCFC opposes any amendments that would derail the bill or ongoing trade negotiations.”
“Farmer co-ops and their members have thrived as exporters over the past two decades and many see tremendous opportunities in further expanding trade and breaking down barriers overseas,” said Conner. “Passage of a TPA bill in the Senate is an important and necessary first step in moving the ball forward on trade and NCFC encourages senators to vote “yes” on this important legislation.”