Agricultural News
Facts Are Stubborn Things- Pat Roberts Says Retaliation is Coming- COOL Must Be Repealed
Thu, 25 Jun 2015 15:33:47 CDT
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, chaired a hearing Thursday morning on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and trade retaliation: what is at stake for America's farmers, ranchers, businesses and consumers.
"If you take anything away from my remarks today, I hope it is this: facts are stubborn things, and whether you support COOL or oppose COOL, the fact is retaliation is coming. And this committee has to fix it," Chairman Roberts said.
"Products including beef, pork, cherries, ethanol, wine, orange juice, jewelry, mattresses, furniture and parts for heating appliances are just some of the targets of Canadian retaliation. Mexico has yet to finalize their list, but we expect it to be just as damaging. The U.S. economy cannot tolerate such economic injury.
"I want to emphasize that I understand completely the concerns of some members of this committee. I have encouraged alternatives to be brought forth. But as Chairman of this Committee I must emphasize to my colleagues and all of agriculture that retaliation is fast approaching and the responsibility sits squarely on our shoulders to avoid it."
The ranking minority member of the Committee, Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan agreed with the Chairman that " inaction from the Senate is not an option." However, Stabenow would prefer to "fix" COOL rather than repeal it.
To that end, she told the Committee "I am offering a discussion draft of one option that I hope can be the basis for a bipartisan solution that can move quickly through the Senate and House. This approach includes two simple components:
"First, the removal of beef and pork from the mandatory labeling provisions deemed non-compliant by the WTO.
"Second, the establishment of a completely voluntary Product of U.S. label for beef and pork, very similar to the voluntary Canadian label.
"It is my hope that this simple, WTO-consistent approach to addressing this dispute will help us find a solution that benefits American consumers and agriculture while also finding a pathway forward between the United States and our neighbors to the north and south."
Senator Roberts offered a lengthy opening statement that provided an overview of the COOL law and rule making process all the way from the beginning. To hear his comments, click on the LISTEN BAR below.
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