What stand does NCBA take on this, and what are your opinions?
RE: Urgent: Support for amendment to block Japan imports
Background: Today, Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) filed an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R.2744, which would prohibit the use of funds for developing a rule with respect to the importation of beef from Japan.
As you know, USDA printed a proposed rule in the August 18, 2005 Federal Register entitled, “Importation of Whole Cuts of Boneless Beef from Japan.” The amendment would prevent the proposed rule to be finalized unless Japan has granted open access to Japanese markets for U.S. beef.
Action: Call your Senators ASAP and ask them to co-sponsor and support this amendment. Votes could be scheduled as early as tomorrow morning. Therefore it would be good to make the calls as soon as possible today and first thing tomorrow.