Today, February 17th, 2022, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over 50 House Republicans, led by Reps. Tracey Mann (KS-01) and August Pfluger (TX-11), in a letter to President Biden to make the U.S.-China agricultural trade relationship more balanced and reciprocal.
“There has never been a reason to trust the Chinese Communist Party at their word and they should be held responsible for their failure to comply with their end of the trade deal. The Administration is failing Iowa farmers by not holding the CCP accountable,” said Miller-Meeks. “Producers need our support; we must act to maintain balanced trade with China under the conditions of the trade deal.”
“President Biden either needs to force China to comply with their end of the agreement or punish them for failing to do so. That's how deals work," said Mann. “This administration must address the full suite of issues in a comprehensive and holistic manner and hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for treating America and its farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers like a doormat. My colleagues and I are calling for immediate action.”
“America must enforce our agreements," said Pfluger. "I am proud to join my colleagues in calling on President Biden to hold China accountable for their Phase One commitments. This administration must take immediate action and stand up for the agricultural producers that feed and clothe our nation. It’s time to put the United States first and stand up to our adversaries.”
Background:
More than two years ago, the United States and China signed a two-year Phase One trade deal that required China to make structural reforms to its trade regime and import $73.9 billion of U.S. agricultural products in 2020 and 2021 combined. Today, China has failed to live up to that commitment by $16 billion.
In the letter, the members express their deep concerns with China not holding up their end of the agreement and urge President Biden, U.S. Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to immediately rectify the situation and stand for U.S. agricultural producers. They state that the U.S. must fully enforce the agreement and receive damages from China for China’s failure to perform.
Original source can be found here
