After lots of drama and much political posturing, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) finally cleared the final hurdle before being sent to the president’s desk, passing the U.S. Senate Wednesday by a vote of 60-38.

“As the demand for U.S. beef continues to grow around the world, the future success of the beef industry rests in our ability to meet foreign demand without inference of tariff and non-tariff trade barriers,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Philip Ellis. “With TPA passed, the U.S. can focus on finalizing trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership that will give us greater access to consumers throughout the Pacific Rim.”

“We applaud Congress 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 Association President Dr. Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer from Camden, S.C. “Now we need U.S. trade negotiators to get the best deal possible from the other TPP countries and to finalize one of the most significant regional trade agreements ever.”

Fast track authority allows for the administration to negotiate trade agreements with other countries and allows Congress to only vote them up or down with no amendments. Every president since Franklin Roosevelt has been granted such authority by Congress.