Smith Calls on President to Help End Russian Poultry Ban

Press Release

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today called on President Obama to press Russia regarding its unwarranted refusal to provide access to American poultry products. Since January 1, 2010, Russia's market has been closed to U.S. poultry exports.

In a letter to the President, Smith and 19 of his colleagues expressed frustration over the fact the ban is not scientifically justified, nor is it consistent with World Trade Organization obligations which Russia purports to someday adopt.

"Aside from the economic impact of Russia's ban, we find it disappointing because it is not scientifically justified and appears to be motivated at least partially by a desire to protect Russia's nascent poultry industry...We request that you impress upon President Putin that if Russia wishes to be accepted as a full member of the international economic community it cannot use unscientific standards as a means to close its markets to trade," the letter reads.

Nebraska's poultry industry provides direct employment for more than 2,200 workers and supports more than 2,600 jobs. Nebraska internationally exports approximately 40 percent of its poultry products.

Complete list of Members of Congress signing the letter:

Devin Nunes (R-CA)

John Boozman (R-AR)

Roy Blunt (R-MO)

Ike Skelton(D-MO)

Michael Castle (R-DE)

Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)

Jack Kingston (R-GA)

Jim Marshall (D-GA)

Robert Aderholt (R-AL)

Mike Rogers (R-AL)

Michael Conaway (R-TX)

Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)

David Scott (D-GA)

Steve Buyer (R-IN)

Sandford Bishop (D-GA)

John Fleming (R-LA)

Paul Broun (R-GA)

Chet Edwards (D-TX)

Walter Jones (R-NC)

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