Jack Kingston: “I am actually here tonight in cooperation with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal), who I understand to be on his way…”

“I am actually here tonight in cooperation with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal), who I understand to be on his way over here, but wanted to talk about an issue to Georgia that has become a big economic issue; but it is also one of international trade having to do with Russia and its trade embargo against United States poultry. I wanted to make a few points about that, Mr. Speaker, that according to the U.S.A. Poultry and Ag Export Council no U.S. poultry exports shipments have moved since the ban on American poultry was lifted in Russia. And Russia because of the competition used a non-tariff trade barrier to stop American chickens from coming into Russia, and then that ban was lifted. However, nothing has happened since then. And because of Russian paperwork, at least 20,000 metric tons of U.S. poultry shipped prior to the ban that was imposed on March 10 now sit in Russian ports waiting to be unloaded. The import ban is costing the U.S. poultry industry more than $25 million a week. Although Russia has issued few import permits, it is abundantly clear that Russia wants to stop or substantially reduce the United States poultry program. Again, it is such a huge issue to our area, a big employer in Georgia. Here are some of the impediments that Russia is using to stop the poultry: all previously issued import permits have been rescinded by Russia, even though these licenses were valid for additional quantities.…”