Spano Gains Victory for Local Growers and Economy

Statement

Rep. Ross Spano (FL-15) issued the following statement after the House passed his amendment to H.R. 3055, The Commerce, Justice, Science, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 2020:

"Seasonal produce, and especially strawberries, is critical to my district. Every year our strawberry growers in Polk and Hillsborough Counties must compete with foreign countries who illegally subsidize this industry and then "dump' cheap produce onto our market. Floridians have seen how these illegal practices have decimated our tomato industry, and we cannot allow that to happen to the strawberry industry. Yesterday, I passed an amendment to H.R. 3055 that increases International Trade Administration funding by $2 million to go after these bad actors and protect our domestic farmers."

"There are over 7,000 jobs at risk and the potential loss of nearly $400 million over the next five years due to depressed prices and crops left unharvested. I'm determined to help the hardworking men and women in my district who have suffered under unfair trade practices."

This amendment increases funding for the International Trade Administration by $2 million and is offset by a $2 million reduction from the Department of Commerce Salaries and Expenses Account.

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