[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 102 (Thursday, July 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1704-E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND 
                RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 8, 2009

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2997) making 
     appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and 
     Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other 
     purposes:


[[Page E1705]]


  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chair, I would like to call up my amendment, 
made in order under the rule, to shift $50,000 from Office of the Chief 
Economist at USDA to the Economic Research Service (ERS).
  The goal of this amendment is to have the Office of the Chief 
Economist work jointly with the Economic Research Service and the 
Foreign Agriculture Service to conduct a study on the potential growth 
in U.S. agriculture exports that would result from implementation of 
the pending trade promotion agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South 
Korea within 90 days of this legislation becoming law.
  Additionally, USDA would also report on the potential impact on U.S. 
agriculture exports if these agreements are not implemented.
  In each case, USDA would analyze the impacts of changes in exports on 
agriculture sector employment, wages, farm income, and commodity 
prices.
  As I am sure you know, each of these countries has signed or is 
negotiating trade agreements with several countries that are major 
competitors for U.S. farmers and ranchers. I know we are all concerned 
about the potential loss of competitiveness the families and workers in 
our agriculture sector would face if the pending trade agreements are 
not implemented.
  Previous studies by the International Trade Commission show the 
benefits of these agreements. Taken together, they could increase all 
U.S. exports by over $12 billion. This new study would give us an 
opportunity to update this information and focus specifically on the 
U.S. agriculture sector.
  In these difficult economic times, Congress, now more than ever, must 
pursue policies to enhance the competitiveness of America's farmers and 
ranchers. Since 95 percent of all consumers are outside of the United 
States, increasing exports are a vital component of that effort.
  The analysis conducted as a result of my amendment would help Members 
of Congress understand the importance of leveling the playing field for 
America's farmers and ranchers by implementing the pending trade 
agreements.

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