Thursday evening the House Ways and Means Committee passed Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation (H.R. 1890) by a bi-partisan vote of 25 to 13. This follows TPA passage by the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday by a vote of 20-6. TPA would establish congressional trade negotiating objectives and enhanced consultation requirements for trade negotiations, to provide for consideration of trade agreements, and for other purposes. Passage of TPA would clear the way for the Administration to finalize the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and aide in successful congressional approval.