Contact:    Joe Schuele    202-347-0228    jschuele@beef.org

Ways and Means Committee Endorses CAFTA

Amendments rejected; agreement moves forward

Washington, D.C. (June 15, 2005) - The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) applauds the action taken today by the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee to keep the U.S.-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) moving toward a vote of the full U.S. House. A vote on CAFTA is expected this summer - perhaps even before the July 4th recess.

On a vote of 25-16, the Ways and Means Committee endorsed a substitution amendment by Chairman Bill Thomas (R-Calif.) that addresses certain concerns regarding labor issues. However, no changes to the agreement regarding beef or agriculture were proposed by the committee. 

"Cattlemen can be pleased that the agricultural provisions of CAFTA remain intact, and have drawn strong support from Ways and Means Committee members," said Michelle Reinke, associate director of legislative affairs for NCBA. "Today's vote is significant, as we move another step closer to bringing CAFTA before the full House of Representatives."

Reinke added that House members are not buying into fears about CAFTA countries "laundering" large supplies of cattle from Brazil or Argentina - arguments not supported by fact.

"Neither Brazil nor Argentina has shipped any live cattle to CAFTA countries for at least the past ten years, yet CAFTA nations have had largely duty-free access during much of that time," Reinke said. "This argument is gaining no traction, because there is simply no factual basis for it."

NCBA supports CAFTA because it will eliminate tariffs on U.S. beef exports to CAFTA nations, which now range from 15 to 40 percent. CAFTA nations already export beef products to the United States on a tariff-free basis up to certain quotas, and these quotas have never been filled.

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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.