May 20, 2009

U.S. Cattlemen Thank Senator Tim Johnson For Continued COOL Support
Contact: Jess Peterson 202/870-3867 - Email: usca@uscattlemen.org
 
USCA (May 20, 2009) - The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) applauds U.S. Senator Tim Johnson’s (D-SD) work to see that mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) is implemented according to Congressional intent and that the program does not become a bargaining chip during international trade negotiations.

On May 14, Senator Johnson sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk asking him to clarify his public comments about working to reach a mutually agreed upon resolution with Canada and Mexico related to the challenges to COOL filed by Mexico and Canada with the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Senator Johnson wrote, "I am committed to seeing the program implemented as Congress intended, as are over thirty additional bipartisan Senators who signed my September 25, 2008 letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary urging that Congressional intent be upheld regarding implementation of COOL. You very clearly stated that you will work to uphold Congressional intent with implementation of COOL during your confirmation hearing. It is my understanding that during your confirmation hearing, you expressed an understanding of the need to enforce Secretary Vilsack’s changes to the rule if Canada or Mexico were to challenge the law. Secretary Vilsack’s changes make substantial strides toward implementing the law properly, and I was pleased to hear of your commitment to proper program implementation. I am therefore quite concerned by your recent comments and request clarification on this point."

USCA President Jon Wooster said cattle producers across the country are grateful for Senator Johnson’s support. "Time and time again, Senator Johnson has risen to the defense of the U.S. cattle industry. It is comforting to know that he serves as a watchdog for the program and will not permit COOL to become a casualty of international trade negotiations. We’re fortunate to have such a champion for cattle producers everywhere."

 

 

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to concentrating its efforts in Washington, DC to enhance and expand the cattle industry’s voice on Capitol Hill. USCA has a full-time presence in Washington, giving cattle producers across the country a strong influence on policy development. For more information go to www.uscattlemen.org.