Trade on the fast track

摘要

The likely approval of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) could open a floodgate of markets for fruit growers -- or it could have little impact. The trade and export market is getting more interesting, and fruit industry leaders couldn't be happier. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) approval -- a.k.a. "fast track" -- for President George W. Bush seems inevitable. If approved, TPA would give President Bush authority to negotiate international trade deals and submit them to Congress for passage. The catch?Trade measures must be approved as is, without amendment. On Dec. 6, 2001, the House passed TPA by a vote of 215-214. A few days later, the Senate Finance Committee approved TPA by a wider 18-3 count. According to a Finance Committee staffer, the bill likely has a good shot of passing, even if it does not come up for vote until February or March.