Political Quotes

“In order for farmers, ranchers, and food processors to succeed in a global market, the US needs fair trade and fair access to growing global markets. Nebraska is one of the nation's leading producers and exporters of agricultural products. Market access is absolutely crucial to the well being of our producers--as it is to producers of all commodities nationwide. Agriculture will benefit most from the pending trade agreement with China. China's economy is already among the world's largest, and it has expanded at annual rates of nearly 10 percent. By supporting PNTR, we are giving our agricultural producers the access needed to compete in the global market. Passing up the opportunity to increase trade with a country that has nearly 26 percent of the world's population would be a grave error. Under its World Trade Organization accession agreement, China will lower its tariffs from 45 to 12 percent on frozen beef, and 45 to 25 percent on chilled beef by 2004. Also, China will accept all beef from the United States that is accompanied by a USDA certificate of wholesomeness. Nebraska's 1998 exports to China totaled $33 million, which represents a 1,200 percent increase from 1993. China is Nebraska's 14th largest export destination, up from 31st in 1993. By building on this trend, the U.S. has taken a step in the right direction. Approval of PNTR is simply the continuation of this process.”