The resolution calls on the United States Trade Representative to “immediately impose retaliatory economic measures against Japan” if Japan continues to delay the implementation of an October 23, 2004 agreement to resume U.S. beef imports.

Craig urged support of the resolution, “Japan is a billion-dollar market for U.S. beef, so it is vital that trade resume for our producers and our economy. U.S. beef is safe – Japan must move expeditiously and honor its agreement to resume imports of U.S. beef. Retaliatory measures are the hammer we need to ensure they act.”

Crapo, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee’s Subcommittee on International Trade and Finance and a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, said, “We have had face-to-face meetings with Japan’s ambassador and we relayed the message that the U.S. has met the safety requirements set forth by the Japanese government, and Japan must re-open its markets swiftly. U.S. beef producers have instituted a stringent detection program for BSE and have been negatively impacted by the approximate $1,700,000,000 in export losses due to prolonged closure of Japan’s market. It is time to reopen the Japanese market to American beef.”

Click here for a copy of the resolution.

NOTE: To link directly to this release, please use the following address: http://craig.senate.gov/releases/pr031705a.htm.

[30]