Lawmakers Rally in Support of Japanese Re-opening to U.S. Beef During Confirmation Hearing

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 6, 2004) –  During today’s nomination hearing for the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, members of the Senate Agriculture Committee urged nominee Gov. Mike Johanns and the American public about the importance of the Japanese export market to the U.S. beef industry.

“On behalf of cattle producers across the nation, I would like to commend the 11 members of the U.S. Senate who spoke in support of aggressive action by President Bush and his Administration to swiftly re-open Japanese and other markets for U.S. beef during today’s hearing,” says National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President and Kansas cattle producer Jan Lyons.  "This has been our top priority since the borders closed after December 23, 2003."

“Re-opening the Japanese market to U.S. beef should be a top priority for every cabinet department,” stated Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.  “Anytime one of our U.S. officials is holding a discussion with the Japanese government, the resumption of beef exports to that country should be on the agenda. I intended to send a letter to the President and the new Secretaries of State, Commerce and Agriculture and ask that this indeed be the case. However, I believe that is a letter which should be sent by the entire Agriculture Committee instead. It is the highest priority.”

“The USDA needs to make reopening the Japanese beef market to U.S. exports a top priority,” said Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee,  “but it's going to require direct personal involvement from everyone from the Secretary to the President, himself.  And it's going to require leverage.  If the Japanese say no, then we're going to have to say no to something they want, until it gets done.  While Japan drags its feet on its commitment to reopen its market, producers in Montana and across the country are suffering.  We need to get away from playing politics with BSE and move toward international, science-based standards for evaluating beef safety."

Also showing support of the re-opening export markets for U.S. beef were Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Jim Talent (R-MO), and Craig Thomas (R-WY).

“Our cattlemen appreciate that Senators are rallying together in support of regaining U.S. beef exports,” says Lyons. “Their discussion at today’s nomination hearing proves they understand the critical need to move forward and aggressively fight for the

re-opening of this export market.”

“A recent announcement from the USDA regarding the U.S. re-opening its borders to beef and cattle products from Canada has created concern among cattle producers, especially since the Japanese and other export markets remain closed,” explains Lyons.  “NCBA is addressing the many issues associated with the border reopening. Nonetheless, re-opening all export markets for U.S. cattle producers must remain a top priority.”

In 2003, Japan was the largest export market for U.S. beef and beef products.  It’s now been more than a year since the single case of BSE was found in the state of Washington, and beef trade between the U.S. and Japan remain closed. Trade negotiators from the two countries are expected to meet again in mid-January to continue talks.

“Clearly, the comments from these 11 Senators today send a strong message to my fellow cattle producers,” says Lyons. “Our industry and our elected officials agree that re-opening all export markets for U.S. beef in 2005 is a top priority.”

Prior to adjourning this afternoon, the Senate committee members in attendance voted 11-0 in approval of Gov. Johanns’ nomination, with a vote being held open in order to allow other committee members to vote before close of business. With these unanimous numbers, NCBA believes a strong Senate confirmation of the Johanns nomination is to be expected.

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry.  Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.