[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  INTRODUCTION OF DUTY SUSPENSION BILL

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
suspend the duty imposed on an ingredient used to develop products used 
by North Carolina farmers. Glufosinate-ammonium is the active 
ingredient used in two key herbicides, Liberty and Rely. Liberty is 
used to control weeds, particularly by corn and soybean growers. Rely 
controls nutrient and water robbing weeds and grass that plague apple, 
grape and tree nut growers.
  Glufosinate-ammonium is the major cost component in the production of 
these herbicides, and the manufacturer of this ingredient will be 
suspending production for more than a year to retool its production 
facilities. Suspending the duty on this ingredient, currently assessed 
a tariff of 3.7%, will allow for increased importation of Glufosinate-
ammonium so that production of these important herbicides will not be 
interrupted.
  I have been informed that there are no U.S. producers of Glufosinate-
ammonium so the bill should receive approval by the U.S. International 
Trade Commission. I urge the Ways and Means Committee to act on my 
legislation when it considers the next miscellaneous tariff bill in the 
coming months.

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