November 03,2003

Grassley on the Latest European Union Trade Sanctions Threat

M E M O R A N D U M

To: Reporters and editors
Re: meeting with the European Union trade commissioner
Da: Monday, Nov. 3, 2003

Today, Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Finance Committee, met with European Uniontrade commissioner Pascal Lamy to discuss outstanding trade disputes between the United States andthe European Union. Following the meeting, Grassley made the following comment.

“I think Commissioner Lamy understands how committed I am to bringing the United Statesinto compliance on FSC/ETI. I hope the Senate will vote soon on my bipartisan bill to repeal ETI. Depending on what happens in the House, we may be able to go to conference before the end of the year. In any event, I’m optimistic that we can deliver a bill to the President early next year.

“I impressed on Commissioner Lamy that sanctions will not in any way impact how quicklywe move this legislation through the Congress. I also stressed how disappointed I am by the rhetoriccoming out of Brussels threatening sanctions. Why would you want to increase trade tensions whenwe’re actively moving to resolve the dispute? It just doesn’t make sense.”