[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1361]]



     INTRODUCTION OF THE AGRICULTURE EXPORT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1998

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                          HON. THOMAS W. EWING

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 1998

  Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the 
Agriculture Export Enhancement Act of 1998. Farm exports have soared 
over the past several years and foreign exports present great 
opportunities for American farmers and ranchers. However, too many 
trade barriers prevent billions of people from buying our products. Our 
trade negotiators need to focus their attention on eliminating tariffs, 
subsidies, and other foreign regulations that limit what we sell 
overseas. This legislation would establish these negotiating 
objectives.
  This legislation identifies current foreign laws and regulations that 
limit U.S. farm exports and requires the Executive Branch to make their 
elimination a priority in upcoming trade negotiations. It calls for a 
date-certain for the elimination of tariffs on farm exports and of 
subsidies that distort the international prices of agricultural 
commodities and requires countries to reform the activities of state 
trading enterprises (STEs) that hamper agricultural exports.
  With 40% of American agriculture commodities and products being 
exported. The American farmer is more reliant on international markets 
than any other sector of the U.S. economy. That is why it is so 
important that the U.S. layout specific agricultural trade negotiation 
objectives.

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