Text of Letter to Senator Charles E. Grassley

Dear Mr. Chairman:

With dairy prices at unsustainably-low levels and increased imports of milk protein concentrates, casein, and caseinates, I write to urge that the Senate Finance Committee request an International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation into the conditions surrounding the import of milk proteins.

I share the concerns dairy producers in my state have raised about the impact of imports on farm milk prices. A comprehensive, objective investigation of imports, their end-use, and competition factors would provide a strong basis for any congressional action. As such, I ask you to use your authority under section 332 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to request the ITC conduct general investigations on any matter involving tariffs and international trade, including conditions of competition between US and foreign industries.

I appreciate your strong support for American agriculture, especially your tireless efforts to increase opportunities to expand foreign markets. As we examine difficulties in the domestic dairy market, I hope we do not lose sight of the objective of increased agricultural trade and undermine the hard work and investment we have committed to those goals-which is particularly important for Idaho agriculture. A rigorous section 332 investigation of the imports will help us preserve that objective.

Sincerely,

Mike Crapo
United States Senator