From a recent NCBA press release:
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) supports immediate passage and implementation of pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.
NCBA is greatly encouraged by news that the Obama administration is ready to begin technical discussions with congressional leaders to draft implementing legislation and Statements of Administrative Action for pending free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.
“It is great that the United States is getting off the sidelines and back into the game of expanding trade opportunities for U.S. products by moving forward with the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia,” said Bill Donald, NCBA president and Montana cattleman.
In a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk indicated that once the free trade agreement with South Korea has been implemented, the United States will request consultations with South Korea to discuss the beef protocol’s full application.
Subsequent to the letter, Sen. Baucus announced his support for the trade pact. Kirk also sent letters indicating Colombia has taken necessary steps, in accordance with an action plan agreed upon by both nations regarding labor rights, to move forward with finalizing this agreement.
Donald said Sen. Baucus and USTR have played a critical role in moving these agreements forward. “As a Montana rancher, I know Sen. Baucus has been very instrumental in providing access for U.S. beef into very critical Asian markets,” said Donald. “We are encouraged and appreciate Ambassador Kirk’s leadership in moving strongly urges members of Congress and the administration to work expeditiously to implement all three agreements as soon as possible.”