Edward M. Kennedy: “I join in expressing my strong disapproval of the continuing actions by the French Government against United States…”

“I join in expressing my strong disapproval of the continuing actions by the French Government against United States seafood imports. There is no justification for France's protectionist actions against these imports. The actions clearly violate the international trade agreements that we have negotiated in good faith with both France and the European Union. The continue harassment by France has resulted in serious damage to American fishermen. The United States fishing industry exports thousands of dollars' worth of fresh seafood each day to France. New England fisherman have already been hard hit by the recent recession, and they certainly cannot afford to suffer further economic loss as a result of unjust French trade policies. Although France recently added the United States to its list of countries from which seafood products can be imported, France continue to harass our products by requiring them to undergo rigorous and unwarranted inspections. In addition, certain ports of entry into France remain closed to our imports. These unnecessary obstructions, restrictions, and needless delays have resulted in the spoilage of many fresh seafood products. The trade barriers that France continues to impose on these imports must be eliminated immediately. The Senate resolution that we are introducing today urges France to comply with international trade regulations and end its harassment of United States seafood imports.”