House Committee On Agriculture Republicans

 

Washington, D.C. – House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) and Republican Leader-Elect Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statements after the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) announcement that the United States is filing enforcement action under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to challenge Canada’s allocation of dairy tariff-rate quotas (TRQs):

“The renegotiation of trade agreements between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and the ultimate approval of USMCA is among the top achievements of President Trump,” said Conaway. “One of the major flaws of NAFTA in regards to agriculture was the failure to reign in market distorting practices by Canada that wreaked havoc on U.S. dairy producers. I want to applaud USTR Ambassador Lighthizer for not only completing an agreement that made important reforms for dairy producers but also for taking the necessary steps today to ensure Canada complies with its commitments.” “USMCA represents an enormous opportunity for American agriculture, especially our nation’s dairy farmers who continue to face significant market challenges. Unlocking the potential of this trade agreement requires all parties to follow through on their promises,” said Thompson. “I applaud Ambassador Lighthizer for today’s announcement, challenging Canada’s unfair dairy policies and for his unwavering support for American agriculture.”

In August, Republican Leader-Elect Thompson co-led a letter to USTR and USDA that was signed by Ranking Member Conaway and 102 other Members of Congress asking for Canada to be held accountable for commitments made under USMCA.