The U.S. House passed Trade Promotion Authority Thursday by a vote of 218-208 getting fast track back on track, making the U.S. meat and dairy industry happy.

“Trade Promotion Authority gives Congress the ability to set definitive goals for the President in negotiations, and then requires any deal be brought back for final approval,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Philip Ellis. “Consumers around the world want more beef in their diet and other countries are aggressively seeking trade agreements to give their products a competitive advantage. TPA is the foundation for us to negotiate increased market access and tariff elimination through free trade agreements.”

“We applaud the House for approving TPA, which is imperative for finalizing free trade agreements that boost U.S. exports and create U.S. jobs,” said National Pork Producers Council President Dr. Ron Prestage. “Now we need the Senate to approve it, so that U.S. trade negotiators can get the best trade deals possible from other countries.”

“The U.S. dairy industry will continue to grow and prosper with increased trade opportunities, and TPA is critical to ensuring that U.S. dairy companies receive the best deal in future trade agreements,” said International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) president and CEO Connie Tipton

House leaders negotiated passage of TPA by separating out Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which failed to pass last week, and creating a new bill which now must go back to the Senate for approval.