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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

JAPAN RESUMES U.S. BEEF IMPORTS

Herseth: Decision Reflects the Safety and Quality of Our Beef

December 8, 2005, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth today heralded Japan’s decision to reopen its borders to U.S. beef exports. Beginning on Monday, Japanese importers will be able to resume purchase of U.S. beef. Prior to the December, 2003 ban, Japan was the top international importer of U.S. beef. 

Herseth said, “This decision proves that our major foreign trading partners have confidence in the safety and quality of the U.S. beef supply. This is good news for South Dakota cattle producers and I am hopeful it will lead to renewed access to additional foreign markets.”

Rep. Herseth is an original cosponsor of HR 4179, legislation that would have imposed sanctions on Japan if they failed to reopen their markets to US beef.

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Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.  She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America.  She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests:  Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Resources.