July 16,2009

Baucus Statement following U.S. Trade Representative Kirk’s Announcement of New Trade Enforcement Initiatives

MEMORANDUM


To: Reporters and Editors
From: Dan Virkstis for Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D Mont.)
Re: Baucus statement following U.S. Trade Representative Kirk’s announcement of new tradeenforcement initiatives

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) issued the following comment today following a speech by United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ronald Kirk regarding new trade enforcement initiatives. Senator Baucus noted Ambassador Kirk and the Obama Administration share his commitment to an international trade policy that promotes a thriving domestic workforce and levels the playing field for American businesses in the global economy.

From Chairman Baucus:

“Today Ambassador Kirk echoed my longstanding position that strong enforcement is key to opening markets and ensuring a level playing field for American farmers, ranchers, workers and firms. And he emphad two points of particular importance to my home state of Montana. First, I was pleased that Ambassador Kirk emphad the importance of ensuring the food safety regulations of our trading partners are based on sound science and are not disguised restrictions on our agriculture exports. Second, I welcomed his call for strong and consistent action to enforce our Softwood Lumber Agreement with Canada. I look forward to continuing my dialogue with Ambassador Kirk and I applaud the good work of the Office of the USTR on these issues. I also look forward to the President laying out his international trade framework so we can begin to move forward on a robust U.S. trade agenda.”

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