WALLY HERGER: “I represent one of the richest agricultural areas in our Nation in northern California, the northern Sacramento Valley…”

“I represent one of the richest agricultural areas in our Nation in northern California, the northern Sacramento Valley, just north of Sacramento. This agreement will be very, very helpful to our agricultural commodities. Singapore imports virtually all of their food products. Trade and agricultural products represent a net trade surplus for the United States. In 2002, American farmers exported around $259 million worth of food products to Singapore. By binding all of its tariffs at zero, Singapore will open its markets to American agricultural products and create new opportunities for American farmers to sell their produce to a nation whose small size prevents it from being able to grow enough food for consumption by its citizens. Again, Mr. Speaker, I feel that this would be very beneficial for our country, for their country, in general; and I urge support of this.”