Craig, Crapo Ask Cheney To Address Beef Exports To Japan

WASHINGTON, DC â?? Idaho Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo joined seven other Senators today in asking Vice President Cheney to work to reopen Japanese markets to U.S. beef. Cheney leaves tomorrow for an eight-day tour of Asia, including Japan. The Senators agree that having that market open is vital not only to retaining jobs in the U.S. but to providing a consistent supply of high-quality beef products to restaurants and food suppliers in Japan. In the letter, the Senators wrote:We believe the United States has taken the necessary steps to re-establish trade in beef and beef products. In an effort to resume trade to one of our most important markets, we ask that you address these concerns during your upcoming meetings in Japan. The mitigating measures in place to prevent the spread of BSE in the United States are science-based and in harmony with international animal health standards. Continued delay of beef trade with the United States suggests that Japan prefers subjective solutions to animal health and food safety issues over sound science and risk assessment. Without these exports, our beef market is losing one of its greatest opportunities for growth and job creation.The Bush Administration took swift and effective actions here in the United States when BSE appeared in a Canadian-born cow. Their continued efforts, including the Vice-Presidentâ??s visit to Japan, will ensure the U.S. beef industry remains strong and stable.The letter is attached in its entirety.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April 6, 2004The Honorable Dick CheneyVice President of the United StatesThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NWWashington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. Vice President: We request your assistance in resolving the remaining issues that prevent a resumption of beef exports to Japan. We believe the United States has taken the necessary steps to reestablish trade in beef and beef products. In an effort to resume trade to one of our most important markets, we ask that you address these concerns during your upcoming meetings in Japan. The mitigating measures in place to prevent the spread of BSE in the United States are science based and in harmony with international animal health standards. Continued delay of beef trade with the United States suggests that Japan prefers subjective solutions to animal health and food safety issues over sound science and risk assessment. Without these exports, our beef market is losing one of its greatest opportunities for growth and job creation. During your upcoming meetings, we ask that you impress upon the urgency of this matter and the consequences of further unscientific delay in the resumption of trade. We appreciate your attention to this matter and we look forward to continuing to work with the Administration on this very important issue. Sincerely,Senators Craig, Crapo, Miller, Hagel, Burns, Nelson, Bond and McConnell[30]