U.S. pork producers and their congressional allies are ramping up their efforts to oppose a planned expansion of a Japanese pork subsidy program by preparing to send a letter to the Japanese ambassador arguing that the plan will cost votes for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in the U.S. Congress if it is not modified.
[Daily News| February, 1` 2016 | Inside US Trade]
“Programs that artificially stimulate pork production in Japan such as the one under consideration, will increase opposition to TPP here in Congress,” states the draft letter being circulated by Reps. Pat Tiberi (R-OH) and Brad Ashford (D-NE), according to a copy obtained by Inside U.S. Trade.
“We request you to decouple the government assistance from production. We sincerely hope that your government and ours will be able to find a mutually acceptable solution that will prevent the loss of crucial votes for TPP when its fate is decided by Congress,” the letter concludes.
Tiberi sits on the House Ways & Means Committee and Ashford is one of the 28 House Democrats who voted for fast track last year.
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