WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statement after President Trump formally notified Congress of intent to begin trade negotiations.
“I am very encouraged by the administration’s announcement to pursue trade agreements with Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. President Trump and Trade Representative Lighthizer recognize these are critical markets for farmers, ranchers, and other businesses, representing hundreds of billions of dollars in exports of U.S. goods and services.
“I appreciate the Trump administration’s work to ensure American agriculture has a seat at the negotiating table.
“As the Trade Promotion Authority process plays out, I look forward to consulting with the administration especially as it relates to the role of agriculture in these negotiations.”
On Sept. 13, Chairman Roberts held a hearing to gain insight from the Trump administration on its trade efforts. Roberts stressed the importance of maintaining a good relationship with our closest trading partners. Click here to read and watch Roberts’ opening statement, as well as the full hearing.
From his post as both Chairman of the Agriculture Committee and as a senior member of the Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction on trade, Roberts has long been outspoken on the benefits of increased access to foreign markets for American farmers and ranchers. Roberts has taken his concerns directly to President Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and other high-ranking officials in the administration on numerous occasions.
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