“Trade is a vital part of a good economy,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee, which held the hearing.  “Yet, many of our trading partners don’t hold up their end of the deal when it comes to allowing American-made products, such as Montana beef, to be bought and sold in their country.  The Administration needs to punish these countries so that U.S. producers get treated fairly.”

       The witness at today’s hearing was Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson.  During the hearing, Rehberg emphasized the importance of trade but also talked about the problems with South Korea, which has refused to allow U.S. beef products to enter into their country though many Korean products are sold in America.  After the hearing, Secretary Paulson told Rehberg he was recently in South Korea and was upset to see many of the Korean vendors serving Australian beef because American-made beef had been banned.

       Today, Rehberg also met with members of the Montana Stockgrowers Association in his office to talk about options for encouraging Korea and Japan to use Montana beef and other ways of expanding opportunities for Montana producers.  Creating options for Montana ranchers to export their beef products is one of the Stockgrowers Association’s highest priorities.

       “International fair trade is a top priority,” said Steve Roth, President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.  “We need to emphasize that the exportation of Montana beef is no longer a food safety issue. It’s time for it to become a trade issue.”

       “We always appreciate the opportunity to meet with Congressman Rehberg and are thankful for his support of establishing international markets for Montana beef,” said Errol Rice, Executive Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.  “Free trade agreements should be based on science and it’s time we level the playing field for Montana producers.”

       “Montana’s beef industry is losing billions of dollars due unfair trade policies,” said Rehberg.  “I know Montana ranchers make a safe, high-quality product and they deserve a fair opportunity to show Korea and other countries why our beef is among the best and safest in the world.”