Tariffs Hurt NW Growers Pt 2

Tariffs Hurt NW Growers Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
I'm Bob Larson. We talked yesterday about the disappointment of many in the Ag industry over retaliatory tariffs placed on U.S. products by trade partners like Mexico and China. Representative Dan Newhouse says he's made sure the leaders in these talks are aware of those concerns ...

NEWHOUSE ... "I've talked directly to different members of the negotiating team, from the Trade Negotiator, Mr. Lighthizer, to others that work in the administration so there is a recognition of the consequences."

Newhouse says he's not sure, at this point, what their specific plans are moving forward ...

NEWHOUSE ... "But, certainly from me and our delegation, the message is 'stay at the table.' These trade deals are critically important and we have to have them completed in a satisfactory way that benefits partners on both sides of the table."

With midterm elections coming up in November, Newhouse says he can't speculate on the impact, but the administration has to be aware as negotiations move ahead ...

NEWHOUSE ... "I would think that there is an expectation on the part of people in farm country that this administration, since they supported them, that this administration would be looking out for their best interest and that that expectation is high. And so, I would expect that we would see and impact."

Newhouse says these are likely to be long-term negotiations, but it's his job to make sure the administration is fully aware of what's at stake and the impacts their actions could have on producers.

He joined a bipartisan Congressional group in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer stressing the importance of finding a resolution.

Others who signed on include Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Jamie Herrera Beutler, Cathy McMorris Rogers, Derek Kilmer, Adam Smith, and Denny Heck.

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