Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011

Floor Speech

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Mr. LUCAS. I rise in opposition to this amendment.

This transfer of funds was established as part of an agreement negotiated between the U.S. and Brazilian Governments. As a result of this agreement negotiated by the USTR and USDA, Brazil agreed to suspend retaliation against U.S. exports. If this amendment passes and the funds are not transferred in compliance with the agreement, then the U.S. will be in violation of the agreement. Brazil would then have the right to immediately impose punitive tariffs on U.S. exports. What Mr. Kind's amendment does is invite a trade war.

The U.S.-Brazil agreement is in place only until the 2012 farm bill is completed. This provides an opportunity for the U.S. to determine what adjustments to current law are necessary as a part of the next farm bill to bring the U.S. cotton program into compliance with the WTO ruling. This amendment should not be on this bill. It is a policy change.

Please join me in defeating this amendment.

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