Obama Signs Trade Agreements Into Law

President Barack Obama signed three pending trade agreements into law Friday morning, ending a years-long standoff.

“These trade agreements will significantly boost American exports, support tens of thousands of jobs and protect labor rights, the environment and intellectual property,” a White House statement read.

Additionally, Obama signed the Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act which reauthorizes the program through December 2013. The program would protect workers by helping those who suffer a reduction in hours and wages as a result of shifts in production outside the United States.

House Speaker John Boehner praised the signing as a GOP triumph and noted that the agreements were initiated during the Bush administration.

“While this day took too long to come, manufacturers, farmers and small businesses can now be more competitive in the global marketplace,” Boehner said in a statement. “Our focus today must be pursuing these areas of agreement, npot highlighting our differences.”