Chris Sununu: “Mr. Chairman, I think it is inappropriate to suggest that this is a debate between soft drink manufacturers and even…”

“Mr. Chairman, I think it is inappropriate to suggest that this is a debate between soft drink manufacturers and even sugar growers for that matter. This is a question of taxpayer interests. I think there is no question, this program just does not serve the interests of the taxpayer and the interests of the consumer. I have heard two particular points made in the recent debate that I would like to address. One is the argument that, well, this is really about fair trade and that somehow, because other countries are penalizing their consumers or subsidizing their farmers to the disadvantage of taxpayers, that it is all right for us to do the same. I do not think that argument ever holds water. Just because another country is engaged in a policy that makes no economic sense or that penalizes consumers or that distorts markets does not mean that the United States should engage in that same foolhardy policy. Fair trade is about lowering barriers to imports and exports. We do that in order to benefit our own consumers, American consumers that should have every right and opportunity to purchase products on the world market that improve their quality of life, that enable them to be healthy, to be successful and to live the kind of existence they want for themselves and their families.”