Larsen Applauds Agreement on Poultry Imports from China
For Immediate Release
Contact: Amanda Mahnke
(202) 225-2605
September 25, 2009
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) today applauded a bipartisan compromise reached by conferees on the Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill regarding the import of poultry products from China. The agreement would allow the imports of processed poultry or poultry products from China only after passing USDA inspection and after the Secretary of Agriculture notifies Congress that certain conditions have met.
“The agreement reached by Agriculture Appropriations Conferees maintains the highest standards of food safety while resolving an issue that has been a point of contention between the U.S. and China for several years.
“In the current economic climate, trade is critical for ensuring a robust economic recovery and avoiding protectionism. Today’s announcement is a win for the U.S.-China relationship and the American consumer.
“Trade between the U.S. and China is vitally important to Washington State. Since 2006, China has been Washington state's largest and most rapidly growing export market.
“Earlier this week, I joined with 36 of my colleagues on a letter to the Conferees urging that an agreement on this issue be reached. I commend Rep. DeLauro, Rep. Kingston and the rest of the Conference Committee for finding a solution to this very difficult issue.”
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