June 04,2007

Baucus Comment on Korea Beef Development

MEMORANDUM

TO: Reporters and Editors

FROM: Carol Guthrie for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)

RE: development on Korea beef issue

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus issued a brief comment today following news
of Korea’s suspension of imports of U.S. beef. Even before today’s development, Korea
maintained unfair restrictions on bone-in beef, as well all beef from cattle over 30 months of age. Baucus has said that he will not move the pending U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement through the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees U.S. trade policy, until the beef issue is resolved.

From Chairman Baucus:

“This development again raises questions about Korea’s willingness to abide by scientific standards when it comes to beef trade. The science is clear. All American beef is safe –
whether it has bones or does not. The time is long past for Korea to follow international
standards. My patience is running out.”

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