[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 144 (Thursday, November 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                H.R. 4179: JAPANESE BAN ON AMERICAN BEEF

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 4179. This 
legislation would impose trade sanctions on Japan if the ban on 
American beef is not lifted by a reasonable date. For decades, Japan 
has been a friend and reliable trading partner with the United States, 
and I anticipate that relationship will prosper. However, in spite of 
our best efforts, our fine relationship has been strained by Japan's 
continued ban on imports of U.S. beef.
  There is reason to be optimistic that this legislation will not be 
enacted if Japan takes reasonable action. Japan's Food Safety 
Commission gave a favorable report on Monday, October 31, 2005, and 
will continue to review the ban for a mandatory one-month comment 
period. After the one-month waiting period, the Japanese government may 
drop the ban and resume beef imports. However, should the Japanese not 
take favorable action, the trade sanctions would go into effect on 
December 15, 2005.
  The December 15 date is not arbitrary. In fact, I believe it is a 
well-timed and necessary mechanism to encourage the ban to be lifted. 
The U.S. beef industry and the federal government have not only assured 
the Japanese government of our stringent safety standards, but have 
also made every effort to exceed the requirements set forth by Japan's 
Food Safety Commission.
  American beef continues to be the safest and the highest quality beef 
in the world. The American beef producers deserve the full benefit of 
our bilateral trade agreement. This legislation reserves our right to 
respond forcefully should Japan prolong this shortsighted ban. I urge 
my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

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