April 06,2010

Baucus Comment on U.S., Brazil Negotiations on Cotton Dispute

MEMORANDUM

To:Reporters and Editors

From:    Scott Mulhauser and Erin Shields
for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)

Re:Baucus Comment on U.S., Brazil Negotiations on Cotton Dispute

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) commented today on the announcement by United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack that the United States and Brazil have agreed upon a path toward a negotiated settlement of a World Trade Organization dispute involving U.S. cotton programs.  The Senate Finance Committee has jurisdiction over international trade.  From Chairman Baucus:

"The agreement USTR and USDA negotiated with Brazil is a significant step forward toward final settlement of our WTO dispute.  As a result of this agreement, Brazil will refrain from imposing higher tariffs on U.S. goods, including Montana wheat, and will not withdraw protections for U.S. intellectual property.  I look forward to consulting closely with the Administration as it implements and monitors this agreement."

###