Sen. Cornyn Demands Fair Market Access For U.S. Cattlemen In Japan

Press Release

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has cosponsored a resolution directing the Administration to demand that Japan suspend its arbitrary limits on U.S. beef imports. As it stands, Japan has limited imports of U.S. beef based on spurious public health claims, despite the fact that the international community has declared U.S. beef to be safe. The Sense of the Senate resolution was introduced by Sen. Mike Johanns, R-NE; Sen. Cornyn is a lead cosponsor.

"With Texas leading the nation in cattle production and feeding, full access to the Japanese export market is critical to the economic vitality of our state's cattle industry and the important role it plays in the Texas economy. For too long, Japan has unfairly singled out U.S. beef -- subjecting our world-class exports to arbitrary limits that stand in direct conflict with the international community's stamp of approval on U.S. beef. I urge my colleagues from farming and ranching states to join Sen. Johanns and I in supporting this resolution to send a clear message to the Administration that now is the time to act to restore fairness in the market for U.S. cattlemen."

"The long-time trade ban on U.S. beef by Japan is inexcusable. They continue to base their decision on bad science and are violating international trade guidelines," said Dave Scott, rancher and president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA). "Ranchers across the country work hard every day to ensure domestic and foreign consumers have safe, healthy and affordable beef. "

"Texas ranchers greatly appreciate the support of Senator Johanns and Senator Cornyn and we encourage Congress and the Administration to act quickly to level the playing field for ranchers across the country," Scott continued.

The resolution cosponsored by Sen. Cornyn expresses the following Sense of the Senate:

(1) it is not in the interest of either the United States or Japan to arbitrarily restrict market access for their close partners;

(2) trade between the United States and Japan should be conducted with mutual respect and based on sound science;

(3) since banning United States beef in December 2003, Japan has not treated United States beef producers fairly;

(4) both Japan and the United States should comply with guidelines based on sound science;

(5) Japan should immediately expand market access for United States exporters of both bone-in and boneless beef beyond the existing standard of beef from cattle 20 months and younger; and

(6) the President should insist on increased access for United States exporters of beef and beef products to the market in Japan

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Finance, Judiciary, Agriculture and Budget Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee's Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

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