Major Votes on Free Trade Agreements and
December 28, 2021
Trade Promotion Authority
Keigh E. Hammond
Congress plays a key role in shaping U.S. trade policy. While the President has authority
Senior Research Librarian
to negotiate with foreign countries, Congress has sole constitutional authority to regulate
international trade. Since 1934, Congress has periodically delegated certain trade
agreement negotiating authorities to the President and has required congressional
approval of some trade agreements through implementing legislation. Since 1979,
Congress has passed 17 implementing measures for FTAs and multilateral trade agreements. Most recently,
Congress considered and approved the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) (P.L. 116-113).
Congress also periodically considers legislation to grant Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to the President for
limited time periods. Through TPA legislation, Congress delegates certain trade agreement negotiating authorities
to the President; defines specific trade negotiation objectives; and sets consultation requirements. TPA legislation
also outlines the terms, requirements, and procedures for FTA implementing legislation to receive expedited
consideration in Congress. All but one of the 17 trade agreements approved by Congress since 1979 were
considered in Congress under TPA.
Since 1979, Congress has passed six measures extending TPA for limited time periods. The most recent TPA was
passed in 2015; this authority expired on July 1, 2021, potentially complicating the Administration’s future trade
negotiations. As with many international trade issues, TPA has been politically contentious over time, resulting in
vigorous debate and three notable lapses in authority, including the current lapse.
Congress also has a specific role in determining U.S. membership to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Congress first approved U.S. membership in the international organization in 1994, by passing the implementing
legislation for the WTO Uruguay Round Agreements. The implementing legislation also established a procedure
whereby Congress can withdraw the United States from the WTO through a joint resolution. In the 116th
Congress, two resolutions were introduced to withdraw U.S. membership from the WTO; neither were brought up
for a vote.
The following report and tables compile the final congressional votes on FTAs, TPA, and U.S membership to the
WTO.
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Contents
Congress and Free Trade Agreements ............................................................................................. 1
Tables
Table 1. U.S. Free Trade Agreements and Trade Promotion Authority: A Timeline ....................... 3
Table 2. Major Votes on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Implementing Legislation ......................... 5
Table 3. U.S. Membership to the World Trade Organization (WTO): Major Legislation
and Votes ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Table 4. Major Votes on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Provisions .......................................... 9
Appendixes
Appendix. Selected CRS Reports and Resources .......................................................................... 13
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 14
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Congress and Free Trade Agreements
This report compiles the final congressional votes on free trade agreements (FTAs), trade
promotion authority (TPA), and U.S membership to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In the past 30 years, the United States has pursued bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade
agreements in an attempt to liberalize markets and reduce trade and investment barriers. Congress
has played a central role in shaping this trade policy. Congress—through debate and legislation—
defines trade negotiation priorities and approves FTAs. Congress also helps oversee agreements’
implementation and enforcement.
While the President has the authority to negotiate treaties with foreign countries, Congress has
sole constitutional authority to regulate international trade.1 Since 1934, Congress has
periodically delegated some authority to negotiate trade agreements to the President. In the Trade
Act of 1974, Congress outlined many of the congressional and executive roles regarding trade
agreements; Congress delegated negotiation authority to the President, but required congressional
approval (through implementation legislation) of FTAs. Congress also created a process to allow
for expedited consideration of trade agreement implementing legislation, provided that the
President observe certain statutory requirements.2 This expedient consideration is known as TPA
or, formerly, “fast-track” consideration.3
Free Trade Agreements: Bilateral and Regional
The United States is currently party to 12 bilateral FTAs (with Australia, Bahrain, Chile,
Colombia, Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore) and to
two regional FTAs (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Dominican
Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR)). (For a list and
timeline of FTAs, see Table 1. For a compilation of final congressional votes on FTAs considered
by Congress, see Table 2.) These FTAs are considered comprehensive trade agreements, covering
"substantially all trade" between partners. The United States has also negotiated more limited
agreements that have focused on select bilateral trade and tariff issues; recent examples include
the “phase one” agreements with China and Japan and a limited tariff agreement with the
European Union. This report does not cover these limited-scope agreements, as they have not
required congressional approval or non-tariff-related changes to U.S. law.4
1 Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution gives Congress the power “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations...”
and “To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises....”
2 Section 102 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended.
3 For more on Trade Promotion Authority see CRS In Focus IF10038, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), by Ian F.
Fergusson; CRS Report RL33743, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Role of Congress in Trade Policy, by Ian
F. Fergusson; and CRS Report R43491, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA): Frequently Asked Questions, by Ian F.
Fergusson and Christopher M. Davis.
4 For more on the recent limited scope agreements with China and Japan, see: CRS Insight IN11208, U.S. Signs Phase
One Trade Deal with China, by Karen M. Sutter and CRS Report R46140, “Stage One” U.S.-Japan Trade Agreements,
coordinated by Brock R. Williams. For more on the evolution of U.S. trade agreement policy and presidential
authorities, see CRS Report R45198, U.S. and Global Trade Agreements: Issues for Congress, by Brock R. Williams,
and CRS In Focus IF11400, Presidential Authority to Address Tariff Barriers in Trade Agreements, by Christopher A.
Casey and Brandon J. Murrill.
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Multilateral Trade Agreements and the World Trade Organization
In addition to bilateral and regional FTAs, the United States is also party to multilateral trade
agreements that outline membership in the WTO, a 164-member international organization. The
WTO was created in 1995 to oversee and administer multilateral trade rules, serve as a forum for
trade liberalization negotiations, and resolve trade disputes.5 When Congress approved the WTO
Uruguay Round Agreements, it included a set of procedures to allow Congress to reconsider U.S.
membership in the WTO by passing a joint resolution calling for withdrawal from the
organization.6 Congress may vote every five years on withdrawal from the WTO. Resolutions
were introduced in the House during the 106th and 109th Congress; neither passed. In the 116th
Congress, two resolutions to withdraw from the WTO were introduced (H.J.Res. 89 and S.J.Res.
71); neither were brought up for a vote. See Table 3 for a compilation of major legislation and
votes concerning U.S. membership to the WTO.
Trade Promotion Authority
Implementing legislation for all U.S. FTAs, except the agreement with Jordan, was considered in
Congress under Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). TPA is the process by which Congress enables
FTA legislation to be considered under expedited legislative procedures, provided the President
observes certain statutory obligations. Because TPA is extended only for limited periods,
Congress periodically considers legislation to extend it and to outline future trade negotiation
objectives and consultation requirements. Since 1974, Congress has passed seven measures
extending TPA. Most recently, Congress passed TPA legislation in 2015 (via the Bipartisan
Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, P.L. 114-26); this authority lapsed
on July 1, 2021. TPA, like many issues related to international trade, has been politically
contentious in Congress over time, resulting in vigorous debate and two previous eight-year
lapses in authority.7 For a list of major votes on TPA, see Table 4.
Congressional Votes on Select Trade Legislation
Congressional consideration of bills can be a complex process, sometimes requiring multiple
votes. For clarity’s sake, this report only provides the final vote for each measure. More complete
bill information can be found on Congress.gov—including roll call votes for all legislation back
to 1993. The bill numbers listed in the following tables link to Congress.gov, and the vote tallies
link to the House and Senate roll call votes, for all votes back to 1993.
Table 1 provides a timeline of FTAs including the date the agreement was signed, the date
implementing legislation was enacted, and the date the agreement went into force. The table also
notes the TPA legislation under which the trade agreement was considered in Congress. The table
includes comprehensive FTAs that have entered into force and have required congressional
approval. This table does not include limited-scope agreements that have not required
5 See CRS Report R45417, World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction, coordinated by Cathleen D.
Cimino-Isaacs.
6 Section 125(b) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (P.L. 103-465) sets procedures for congressional disapproval
of WTO participation. It specifies that Congress’s approval of the WTO agreement shall cease to be effective “if and
only if” Congress enacts a joint resolution calling for withdrawal. Congress may vote every five years on withdrawal.
7 TPA lapsed for multiple years between 1994 and 2002 and between 2007 and 2015. For more on TPA, see CRS
Report R43491, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA): Frequently Asked Questions, by Ian F. Fergusson and Christopher
M. Davis.
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congressional approval, or trade agreements that were signed, but not voted on by Congress, such
as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.8
Table 2 provides major votes on FTAs, including the final House and Senate votes on FTA
implementing legislation.
Table 3 provides major legislation and votes on U.S. membership to the WTO, including
implementing legislation for multilateral agreements and resolutions calling for the United States
to withdraw from the WTO.
Table 4 provides major votes on TPA legislation. It includes the final House and Senate votes on
TPA-related provisions. Votes are grouped by the trade agreement authority granted to the
President.
For a selected list of CRS products on FTAs and TPA, see the Appendix.
Table 1. U.S. Free Trade Agreements and Trade Promotion Authority: A Timeline
(1985-2021 descending order by entry into force date)
Implementing
U.S. Free
Legislation
Agreement
Trade
Agreement
Signed by
Entered into
Agreement
Signed
President
Force
TPAa
USMCAb
11/30/2018
1/29/2020
7/1/2020 Bipartisan Congressional Trade
Priorities and Accountability Act
of 2015
Colombia
11/22/2006
10/21/2011
5/15/2012 Trade Act of 2002
South Korea
6/30/2007
10/21/2011
3/15/2012 Trade Act of 2002
Panama
6/28/2007
10/21/2011
10/31/2012 Trade Act of 2002
Peru
4/12/2006
12/14/2007
2/1/2009 Trade Act of 2002
Oman
1/19/2006
9/26/2006
1/1/2009 Trade Act of 2002
Bahrain
9/14/2004
1/11/2006
1/11/2006 Trade Act of 2002
CAFTA-DRc
5/28/2004
8/2/2005
entered into Trade Act of 2002
(CAFTA);
force by country
8/5/2004 (DR)
on a rol ing basis,
2006-2009d
Morocco
6/15/2004
8/17/2004
1/1/2006 Trade Act of 2002
Australia
5/18/2004
8/3/2004
1/1/2005 Trade Act of 2002
Chile
6/6/2003
9/3/2003
1/1/2004 Trade Act of 2002
Singapore
5/6/2003
9/3/2003
1/1/2004 Trade Act of 2002
8 For more information on recent limited-scope agreements see: CRS Insight IN11208, U.S. Signs Phase One Trade
Deal with China, by Karen M. Sutter and CRS Report R46140, “Stage One” U.S.-Japan Trade Agreements,
coordinated by Brock R. Williams. For more on the evolution of U.S. FTA policy, see CRS Report R45198, U.S. and
Global Trade Agreements: Issues for Congress, by Brock R. Williams. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was a
proposed FTA, signed by the United States and 11 other Asia-Pacific countries on Feb. 4, 2016. In Jan. 2017, the
United States notified the other TPP signatories that it would not ratify the agreement, effectively ending TPP’s
potential entry into force as written. The remaining TPP signatories made limited modifications to TPP after the U.S.
withdrawal and signed a new agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
(CPTPP). The CPTPP entered into force among Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Singapore in
2018, for Vietnam in 2019, and for Peru in 2021.
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Implementing
U.S. Free
Legislation
Agreement
Trade
Agreement
Signed by
Entered into
Agreement
Signed
President
Force
TPAa
Jordan
10/24/2000
9/28/2001
12/17/2001 Not considered under TPA
NAFTAe
12/17/1992
12/8/1993
1/1/1994 Omnibus Trade and
Competitiveness Act of 1988
Canadaf
1/2/1988
9/28/1988
1/1/1989 Trade and Tariff Act of 1984
Israel
4/22/1985
6/11/1985
8/19/1985 Trade and Tariff Act of 1984
Source: Compiled from the U.S. Trade Representative’s website, Congress.gov, Treaties in Force, Congressional
Quarterly Almanac, and CRS Report RL33743, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Role of Congress in
Trade Policy, by Ian F. Fergusson
Notes: Also see CRS Infographic IG10001, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and U.S. Trade Agreements Timeline, by
Brock R. Wil iams.
a. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is the legislation that grants the President authority to negotiate trade
agreements for which implementing legislation may receive expedited treatment in Congress.
b. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) superseded the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA).
c. CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America-United States FTA) includes Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.
d. CAFTA-DR entered into force on a rol ing basis as the President certified each country’s compliance with
the agreement: El Salvador (March 1, 2006); Honduras and Nicaragua (April 1, 2006); Guatemala (July 1,
2006); the Dominican Republic (March 1, 2007); and Costa Rica (January 1, 2009).
e. NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) included Mexico and Canada, and was superseded by
USMCA.
f.
The U.S.-Canada FTA was superseded by NAFTA.
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Table 2. Major Votes on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Implementing Legislation
(Agreements listed by date FTA went into force (see Table 1.))
Final Votes
Congress
(Year)
U.S. FTA
Bill
Description of Bill
House
Senate
116th (2020)
USMCAa
H.R. 5430
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 116-113.
385-41 (Passed)
89-10 (Passed) 01/16/2020
12/19/2019
112th (2011)
Colombia
H.R. 3078
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 112-42.
262-167 (Passed)
66-33 (Passed)
10/12/2011
10/12/2011
110th (2008)
H.Res. 1092
Resolution to suspend TPA consideration of Colombia FTA
224-195 (Passed)
n/a
in the 110th Congress. (The Administration did not resubmit
04/10/2008
the Colombia FTA to Congress until the 112th Congress.)
112th (2011)
South
H.R. 3080
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 112-41.
278-151 (Passed)
83-15 (Passed)
Korea
10/12/2011
10/12/2011
112th (2011)
Panama
H.R. 3079
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 112-43.
300-129 (Passed)
77-22 (Passed)
10/12/2011
10/12/2011
110th (2007)
Peru
H.R. 3688
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 110-138.
285-132 (Passed)
77-18 (Passed)
11/08/2007
12/04/2007
109th (2006)
Oman
H.R. 5684
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 109-283.
221-205 (Passed)
62-32 (Passed)
07/20/2006
09/19/2006
109th (2006)
S. 3569
FTA implementation act.
—
60-34 (Passed)
06/29/2006
109th (2006)
Bahrain
H.R. 4340
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 109-169.
327-95 (Passed)
By Unanimous Consent.
12/07/2005
12/13/2005
109th (2005)
CAFTA-
H.R. 3045
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 109-53.
217-215 (Passed)
55-45 (Passed)
DRb
07/28/2005
07/28/2005
109th (2005)
S. 1307
FTA implementation act.
—
54-45 (Passed)
06/30/2005
CRS-5
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Final Votes
Congress
(Year)
U.S. FTA
Bill
Description of Bill
House
Senate
108th (2004)
Morocco
H.R. 4842
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 108-302.
323-99 (Passed)
By Unanimous Consent
07/22/2004
07/22/2004
108th (2004)
S. 2677
FTA implementation act.
—
85-13 (Passed)
07/21/2004
108th (2004)
Australia
H.R. 4759
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 108-286.
314-109 (Passed)
80-16 (Passed)
07/14/2004
07/15/2004
108th (2004)
Chile
H.R. 2738
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 108-77.
270-156 (Passed)
65-32 (Passed)
07/24/2003
07/31/2003
108th (2003)
S.Res. 211
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding
n/a
By Unanimous Consent
provisions in the Chile and Singapore FTAs and immigration.
07/31/2003
108th (2003)
Singapore
H.R. 2739
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 108-78.
272-155 (Passed)
66-32 (Passed)
07/24/2003
07/31/2003
108th (2003)
S.Res. 211
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding
n/a
By Unanimous Consent
provisions in the Chile and Singapore FTAs on trade
07/31/2003
agreements and immigration.
107th (2001)
Jordan
H.R. 2603
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 107-43.
Voice vote (Agreed)
Voice vote (Agreed)
07/31/2001
09/24/2001
103rd (1993)
NAFTAc
H.R. 3450
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 103-182.
234-200 (Passed)
61-38 (Passed)
11/17/1993
11/20/1993
100th (1988)
Canadad
H.R. 5090
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 100-449.
366-40 (Passed)
83-9 (Passed)
08/09/1988
09/19/1988
104th (1996)
Israel
H.R. 3074
Amendments to the Israel FTA, enacted, P.L. 104-234.
Voice vote (Agreed)
By Unanimous Consent
04/16/1996
09/27/1996
CRS-6
Final Votes
Congress
(Year)
U.S. FTA
Bill
Description of Bill
House
Senate
99th (1985)
H.R. 2268
FTA implementation act; enacted, P.L. 99-47.
422-0 (Passed) 05/07/1985
Voice Vote (Agreed)
05/23/1985
Source: Compiled from Congress.gov and CQ Almanac.
Notes: TPA=Trade Promotion Authority. For more detailed bil information, the bil numbers above link to Congress.gov, and the vote tallies link to the House and
Senate rol call votes, where available. In a few examples (Oman, CAFTA-DR, Morocco), the Senate passed an implementing bil before the House version. The Senate
later considered and passed the House version of the bil , as revenue-generating bil s must originate in the House. The Senate bil s that received a vote are included in
the above table.
a. USMCA, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, superseded NAFTA.
b. CAFTA-DR is the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States FTA, and includes Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the
Dominican Republic.
c. NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, included Mexico and Canada and was superseded by USMCA.
d. U.S.-Canada FTA was effectively superseded by NAFTA.
CRS-7
Table 3. U.S. Membership to the World Trade Organization (WTO): Major Legislation and Votes
103rd-117th Congress (1994-2021)
Final Votes
Congress
P.L./Bill
Type
Description of Bill
House
Senate
103rd
P.L. 103-465
Implementation act
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Implementation
288-146 (Passed)
76-24 (Passed)
(H.R. 5110)
act for WTO agreements).
11/29/1994
12/01/1994
116th
S.J.Res. 71
Proposed Withdrawal from
Withdrawing the approval of the United States from
—
[no votes taken]
WTO
the Agreement establishing the WTO.
116th
H.J.Res. 89
Proposed Withdrawal from
Withdrawing the approval of the United States from
[no votes taken]
—
WTO
the Agreement establishing the WTO.
109th
H.J.Res. 27
Proposed Withdrawal from
Withdrawing the approval of the United States from
86-338 (Failed)
—
WTO
the Agreement establishing the WTO.
06/09/2005
109th
H.Res. 304
Consideration of Proposed
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution
Voice vote (Passed)
n/a
Withdrawal from WTO
(H.J.Res. 27) withdrawing the approval of the United
06/08/2005
States from the Agreement establishing the WTO.
106th
H.J.Res. 90
Proposed Withdrawal from
Withdrawing the approval of the United States from
56-363 (Failed)
—
WTO
the Agreement establishing the WTO.
06/21/2000
106th
H.Res. 528
Consideration of Proposed
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution
343-61(Passed)
n/a
Withdrawal from WTO
(H.J.Res. 90) withdrawing the approval of the United
06/21/2000
States from the Agreement establishing the WTO.
106th
H.J.Res. 89
Proposed Withdrawal from
Withdrawing the approval of the United States from
[no votes taken]
—
WTO
the Agreement establishing the WTO.
Source: Compiled from Congress.gov.
Notes: The Uruguay Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) included a series of multilateral agreements that established the WTO and outlined trade rules
and membership to the international organization. The President signed the Uruguay Round Agreements on April 15, 1994. Congress considered implementation
legislation for the agreements under the TPA provisions in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. The implementation act was signed into law on
December 8, 1994, and the Uruguay Round Agreements went into force on January 1, 1995.
Section 125(b) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (P.L. 103-465) sets procedures for congressional disapproval of WTO participation. It specifies that Congress’s
approval of the WTO agreements shall cease to be effective “if and only if” Congress enacts a joint resolution calling for withdrawal. Congress may vote every five years
on withdrawal.
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Table 4. Major Votes on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Provisions
(Final votes on TPA provisions (1974-2021), legislation listed by date of vote)
Final Votes on TPA provisions
Notes
Name of Act or
Congress
Bill
Description
House Vote
Senate Vote
Votes related to the 2015 TPA grant
114th
H.R. 2146
Bipartisan
218-208, (Passed) 6/18/2015
60-38, (Passed) 6/24/2015
Enacted, P.L. 114-26, 06/29/2015. Extends
Congressional Trade
TPA to include the Trans-Pacific
Priorities and
Partnership negotiations, USMCA, and
Accountability Act of
other prospective FTAs. TPA provisions
2015
expired July 1, 2021.
114th
H.R. 1314
Bipartisan Budget Act of
Measure considered under
Vote concerning TPA: 62-37, The TPA provisions in H.R. 1314 passed in
2015
“division of the question.”
(Passed) 5/22/2015b
the Senate, but failed in the House. An
Measure failed because while
amendment identical to the Senate version
Title 1 (TPA) passed, Title II
of H.R. 1314 was then inserted into an
failed.
unrelated bil , H.R. 2146 (see above).
Title 1 vote (on TPA):
219-211, 6/12/2015;
Title II vote (on other issues):
126-302, 6/12/2015a
Votes related to the 2002 TPA grant
110th
H.Res. 1092
Resolution to remove TPA
224-195, (Agreed)
n/a
This measure removed TPA consideration
consideration from the
04/10/2008
(granted through the TPA provisions in
U.S.-Colombia FTA bil
the Trade Act of 2002) from the U.S.-
(H.R. 5724) in the 110th
Colombia FTA (H.R. 5724) in the 110th
Congress
Congress. No further legislative action
occurred in the 110th Congress on H.R.
5724. The U.S.-Colombia FTA was not
resubmitted to Congress until the 112th
Congress.
107th
H.R. 3009
The Trade Act of 2002
215-212, (Passed) 7/27/2002
64-34, (Passed)
Enacted, P.L. 107-210, 8/6/2002. Eleven
8/1/2002
FTAs were negotiated and considered in
Congress under the TPA provisions in the
Trade Act of 2002. See Table 1.
CRS-9
Final Votes on TPA provisions
Notes
Name of Act or
Congress
Bill
Description
House Vote
Senate Vote
107th
H.Res. 450
H. Res. 450 Relating to
216-215, (Agreed) 6/26/2002
n/a
A rule to expand the scope of H.R. 3009
consideration of H.R. 3009
(the Trade Act of 2002)
107th
H.R. 3005
Bipartisan Trade Promotion
215-214, (Passed) 12/6/2001
n/a
Authority Act of 2002
TPA Lapse, 1994-2002
105th
H.R. 2621
Reciprocal Trade
180-243, (Failed) 9/25/1998
n/a
Measure attempted to renew TPA.
Agreement Authorities Act
Measure failed. TPA lapsed between 1994
of 1997
and 2002.
Votes related to the 1988 TPA grant
103rd
H.R. 1876
To extend fast-track
295-126, (Passed) 6/22/1993
76-16, (Passed) 6/30/1993
Enacted, P.L. 103-49, 7/2/1993. Amended
procedures for Uruguay
the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness
Round trade
Act of 1988 (see below) to extend TPA
agreements
for the WTO Uruguay Round agreements.
102nd
S.Res. 78
Resolution disapproving a
n/a
36-59, (Failed) 5/24/1991
A failed attempt to deny a two-year
two-year extension of fast-
extension of the TPA provisions in the
track procedures under the
Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act
Omnibus Trade and
of 1988. Also see identical bil H.Res. 101.
Competitiveness Act of
1988.
102nd
H.Res. 101
Resolution disapproving the
192-231, (Failed) 5/23/1991
n/a
Also see identical bil S. Res. 78 (above).
extension of fast-track
procedures to implement
trade agreements entered
into after May 31, 1991, and
by May 31, 1993.
102nd
H.Res. 146
Resolution concerning U.S.
329-85, (Passed) 5/23/1991
n/a
Bil attempted to emphasize that Congress
objectives of future trade
could suspend fast track consideration if
agreements
the Administration did not negotiate
adequate protections for workers,
industries, and the environment.
CRS-10
Final Votes on TPA provisions
Notes
Name of Act or
Congress
Bill
Description
House Vote
Senate Vote
100th
H.R. 4848
Omnibus Trade and
376-45, (Passed) 7/13/1988
85-11, (Passed) 8/3/1988
Enacted, P.L. 100-418, 8/23/1988. Provided
Competitiveness Act of
TPA consideration for NAFTA and the
1988
WTO Uruguay Round Agreements.
100th
H.R. 3
Omnibus Trade and
312-107, (Passed)
63-36, (Passed) 4/27/1988;
Measure failed over presidential veto.
Competitiveness Act of
04/21/1987;
(Vetoed by the President,
Provisions from H.R.3, concerning TPA,
1987
(Vetoed by the President,
5/24/1988)
were reintroduced into H.R. 4848, which
5/24/1988);
was enacted as P.L. 100-418 (see above).
Motion to override veto: 61-
Motion to override
37, (Failed) 6/8/1988
Presidential veto: 308-113,
(Passed) 5/24/1988
100th
S. 1420
Omnibus Trade and
n/a
Senate passed H.R. 3 in lieu
See related bil H.R. 3, above.
Competitiveness Act of
of this measure, by Yea-Nay
1987
Vote of 71-27, 07/21/1987
Votes related to the 1984 TPA grant
98th
H.R. 3398
The Trade and Tariff
386–1, (Passed) 10/9/1984
96-0, (Passed) 9/20/1984
Enacted, P.L. 98-573, 10/30/1984. Provided
Act of 1984
TPA consideration to the Canada and
Israel FTAs.
98th
H.R. 5377
U.S. Israel Free Trade Area
416-6, (Passed) 10/3/1984
n/a
Text of bil was inserted into H.R.3398,
the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984 (see
above). Outlined authority and negotiating
priorities for the U.S.-Israel FTA.
Votes related to the 1974 TPA grant
96th
H.R. 4537
Trade Agreements Act
395-7, (Passed) 07/11/1979
90-4, (Passed) 07/23/1979
Enacted, P.L. 96-39, 07/26/1979.
of 1979
CRS-11
Final Votes on TPA provisions
Notes
Name of Act or
Congress
Bill
Description
House Vote
Senate Vote
Votes related to the 1974 TPA grant
93rd
H.R. 10710
Trade Act of 1974
323-36, (Passed) 12/20/1974
72-4, (Passed) 12/20/1974
Enacted, P.L. 93-618, 01/03/1975.
Source: Compiled by CRS from Congress.gov.
Notes: Bolded titles were enacted into law. For more detailed bil information, the bil numbers above link to Congress.gov. In addition to the current lapse in TPA,
there were two notable lapses: between 1994 and 2002 and between 2007 and 2015. For more on TPA, see CRS Report R43491, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA):
Frequently Asked Questions, by Ian F. Fergusson and Christopher M. Davis.
a. The measure was voted on in the House under a procedure known as “division of the question,” which requires separate votes on each component, but approval of
both to pass. Title 1 concerning TPA passed the House; however, Title II, concerning trade adjustment assistance, failed. Thus, the measure failed, under “division of
the question.” (House rol call votes on H.R. 1314: Title I (TPA): Rol no. 362, 6/12/2015; Title II: Rol no. 361, 6/12/2015.)
b. Rol call vote 193, 5/22/2015.
CRS-12
Major Votes on Free Trade Agreements and Trade Promotion Authority
Appendix. Selected CRS Reports and Resources
Trade Promotion Authority
CRS Report R43491, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA): Frequently Asked Questions, by Ian F.
Fergusson and Christopher M. Davis
CRS Report RL33743, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Role of Congress in Trade
Policy, by Ian F. Fergusson
CRS Infographic IG10001, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and U.S. Trade Agreements
Timeline, by Brock R. Williams
CRS In Focus IF11400, Presidential Authority to Address Tariff Barriers in Trade Agreements, by
Christopher A. Casey and Brandon J. Murrill
Free Trade Agreements: Selected Issues
CRS Report R46669, International Trade and Finance: Overview and Key Issues for the 117th
Congress, by Andres B. Schwarzenberg and Christopher A. Casey (See section “U.S. Trade
Agreements and Negotiations.”)
CRS Report R45198, U.S. and Global Trade Agreements: Issues for Congress, by Brock R.
Williams
CRS In Focus IF10161, International Trade Agreements and Job Estimates, by James K. Jackson
CRS Report R44044, U.S. Trade with Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Partners, by James K.
Jackson
CRS In Focus IF10046, Worker Rights Provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), by Cathleen
D. Cimino-Isaacs and M. Angeles Villarreal
CRS In Focus IF10972, Labor Enforcement Issues in U.S. FTAs, by Cathleen D. Cimino-Isaacs
CRS In Focus IF10166, Environmental Provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), by Richard
K. Lattanzio and Ian F. Fergusson
CRS In Focus IF10033, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and International Trade, by Shayerah
I. Akhtar and Ian F. Fergusson
Free Trade Agreements
CRS Report R44981, The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), by M. Angeles
Villarreal and Ian F. Fergusson
CRS In Focus IF10997, U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement, by M. Angeles
Villarreal and Ian F. Fergusson
CRS Legal Sidebar LSB10399, USMCA: Implementation and Considerations for Congress, by
Nina M. Hart
CRS In Focus IF10733, U.S.-South Korea (KORUS) FTA, coordinated by Brock R. Williams
CRS Report RL34470, The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Background and Issues, by M.
Angeles Villarreal and Edward Y. Gracia
CRS Report RS22164, DR-CAFTA: Regional Issues, by Clare Ribando Seelke
Congressional Research Service
13
Major Votes on Free Trade Agreements and Trade Promotion Authority
CRS In Focus IF10394, Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade
Agreement (CAFTA-DR), by M. Angeles Villarreal
CRS Insight IN10903, CRS Products on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), by
M. Angeles Villarreal
Multilateral Trade Agreements
CRS Report R45417, World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction, coordinated by
Cathleen D. Cimino-Isaacs
Select Limited Scope Agreements
CRS Report R46140, “Stage One” U.S.-Japan Trade Agreements, coordinated by Brock R.
Williams
CRS Insight IN11208, U.S. Signs Phase One Trade Deal with China, by Karen M. Sutter
Author Information
Keigh E. Hammond
Senior Research Librarian
Congressional Research Service
14
Major Votes on Free Trade Agreements and Trade Promotion Authority
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under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
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Congressional Research Service
R45846 · VERSION 8 · UPDATED
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