SENATE PASSES TPA BILL

Lindsay Mitchell

Jun 24, 2015  |  Today's News

BLOOMINGTON, Ill—Today, the Senate passed a Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (TPA-2015).  IL Corn Growers Association applauds their swift action to make TPA a reality.

A TPA bill is the first step towards new free trade agreements which offer Illinois farmers new markets for their commodities. 

“Farmers are facing commodity prices below the cost of production.  In order for us to fix that and make farming profitable, we have to grow markets and build demand.  New free trade agreements will help significantly and Illinois farmers are grateful for this action in the Senate,” said Illinois Corn Growers Association President Ken Hartman, Jr. 

“Illinois is the largest corn export state.  We expect to export 831 million bushels in 2015-16 so TPA and the new markets we expect as a result will make a big difference to Illinois corn farmers.”

Major trade negotiations are underway right now in the Asia-Pacific region and in Europe.  A TPA bill gives the U.S. authority to negotiate on a more level playing field with other countries in those negotiations, demanding the best possible outcomes for farmers and all American citizens.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Hartman. 

The bill now proceeds to conference committee with the House bill passed last week.

For more information on TPA, check out these articles:

A FIGHTING CHANCE AT TRADE

TEN THINGS TPA IS AND ISN’T