President Donald Trump has requested a three-year extension of Trade Promotion Authority. That allows the President to negotiate free trade agreements that he can submit to Congress for only an up or down vote. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap is pleased the President has made the request because it benefits agriculture.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch tied TPA renewal to concerns about the administration’s ideas of revamping the North American Free Trade Agreement. Paap is hoping the President backs off that move and Congress grants TPA.

Paap says TPA is essential to achieve serious movement on trade pacts.

Congress has a three-month window to block renewal by passing a resolution of disapproval.