Newhouse: Even Without TPP, Several Key Pieces Of Trade Legislation Before Congress

With the odds of TPP getting a vote in Congress between now and the end of the year, looking more and more unlikely, does that mean it will be a quiet session for Northwest Agriculture?

Representative Dan Newhouse said there will be several pieces of legislation that could have a big impact on growers, farmers and ranchers across the region.  He said the Energy Bill, which is currently between the House and the Senate, is one such piece of legislation.  He says if OKed, it will free up funding for the Yakima Basin Water Enhancement project.

In addition, Congress will discuss the two year re-authorization of the Water Resources Development Act.  Newhouse said the Act is pivotal local agriculture.

“You have the project that the Army Corps of Engineers does, such as Inland Water Ways, Ports, Infrastructure Like our Dams to keep our transportation system working and viable in Central Washington.”

Newhouse says he will continue to work for trade opportunities, even if TPP is not part of the conversation.

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