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Bipartisan
Supporters for Trade Promotion Authority Stage Capitol Hill Event (6-26-01)
"Move the corn"
was the message proclaimed during a Capitol Hill event for Trade Promotion
Authority (TPA) this morning. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) brought together
like-minded colleagues from the Senate and House who support TPA as
well as USDA Secretary Ann Veneman.
TPA's advocates
discussed the need to grant TPA powers to President George W. Bush this
year, because the United States has been at a competitive disadvantage
in trade talks since these powers expired in 1994. For example, U.S.
growth in agricultural exports-such as the corn and tractor in the background-are
hampered by high tariffs on U.S. products, which greatly reduce American
access to foreign markets.
"The best way
for the United States to secure its position at the next round of global
trade talks scheduled for November is to grant the President trade promotion
authority," Grassley said. "Without this green light from
Congress, the United States will be idling indefinitely. It's time to
give the President the tools he needs to negotiate trade agreements
that open new markets for American agriculture."
Joining Sen. Grassley
are (l-r) Sens. Ben Nelson (D) and Chuck Hagel (R) of Nebraska; Secretary
Ann Veneman; Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS); and Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN).
Also joining the event but not pictured is Rep. Charles Stenholm (D-TX),
ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. The corn in the background
is supplied by Jamie Jamison, Chairman of NCGA's Production and Stewardship
Action Team and a Dickerson, Md., grower.
Last
reviewed June 24, 2001
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