Hurd Votes to Protect Economy from Trade Retaliation

Press Release

The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to repeal the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) rule that requires retailers of certain meat products to list a product's country-of-origin. Canada and Mexico have challenged the COOL labeling requirements, citing them as discriminatory against imported livestock and noting that they violate international trade obligations. The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled against the U.S.earlier this year, finding that COOL requirements are not in compliance with existing international trade agreements. This legislation will repeal COOL, staving off potential retaliatory measures by Canada and Mexico that have been estimated to impact $9.2 billion worth of goods in Texas alone.

"This is a simple changethat will protect our economy from significant harm," said U.S. Representative Will Hurd, whose large rural district includes a number of family-owned farms and ranches. "When our laws put our own producers at a disadvantage in a global market, it's just common sense to change it."

Texas cattle producer and past president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Bob McCan said, "COOL retaliation will have a major impact on our economy and our trading relationships, now and into the future. The economic analysis mandated by Congress reported that COOL has already cost the beef industry $8.07 billion over ten years, and now our two largest trading partners are seeking $3.6 billion in retaliatory tariffs on many U.S. products. After four rulings by the WTO, there is simply no fix that will bring us into compliance with our international trading partners and I appreciate Rep. Hurd's support to repeal COOL before retaliation damages our economy."

"If the provisions are not repealed, Texas producers will be hit hard. Retaliation would also target a number of other agricultural products grown throughout the state and nation," Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening added. "We can't sit by and allow a now-tainted provision--that has offered little measurable benefit to producers--threaten other commodities grown by Texas farmers and ranchers."

Repealing COOL is expected to pass the Senate with bipartisan support.

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