Moran Statement on Japan Resuming Imports of U.S. Beef

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jerry Moran today released this statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that Japan will resume imports of U.S. beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger.

"Once again, the day has finally come. Beef producers have long awaited this announcement. Japan's resumption of imports of U.S. beef means dollars in the pockets of hard-pressed producers across the country.

"Americans never imagined the safety of our beef would still be in question more than three years later. Producers breathed a brief sigh of relief in December 2005, two years after the initial closing, when Japan reinstated U.S. beef imports. Much to our dismay, the door again closed when ineligible veal was discovered in a January shipment from New York.

"This has been a long and frustrating process. Japan, like many other countries, looks for reasons to not allow our products, but the persistence of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and the constant pressure of Congress left them with little choice but to resume beef trade. 

"No congressional district in the country has as much to benefit from the resumption of beef trade with Japan as that of the First District of Kansas. In 2003, our ranchers produced nearly five billion pounds of beef, making it the largest beef producing congressional district in the nation.

"Japan was the largest importer of U.S. beef prior to the closing of its border in December 2003. I look forward to the day when American beef producers can once again fully benefit from this vital trade relationship."

Moran is a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee and the primary sponsor of H.Res. 137, which would impose retaliatory trade sanctions on Japan as long as the beef ban remained in effect.   

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