Agriculture chairman Michael Conaway hopes for a large majority vote in the House today to repeal country-of-origin labeling (COOL) on packages of beef, pork and chicken sold in grocery stores. A strong House vote for repeal would create leverage for the Senate to concur, Conaway says. A coalition of manufacturing, business and agricultural groups says it is “critical that Congress enact corrective legislation before adjourning for August recess.”
While the House put COOL repeal on the fast track – Conaway’s committee approved a repeal bill two days after the WTO’s final ruling on the challenge by Canada and Mexico – the Senate is biding its time. Republican leaders want to speed the bill to a vote by allowing one hour of debate and no amendments. The bill was scheduled for debate this afternoon.
A spokeswoman says Senate Agriculture chairman Pat Roberts “is continuing discussions with Ag Committee members to determine the best path forward to avoid retaliation and will do whatever it takes to protect the livelihood of American farmers, ranchers and industries targeted by retaliation.” Roberts “has concerns that ideas – such as the generic label – will not prevent retaliation from our trading partners,” she said.
Canada and Mexico say they will ask the WTO for permission to impose $3.7 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. manufactured and agricultural goods, but their real goal is repeal of COOL for beef and pork, which became mandatory in 2009. COOL applies to a large part of the U.S. diet, from fruits and vegetables to seafood and most meats. Beef and pork were the lightning rods for the WTO challenge because of sizable cross-border trade in meat and livestock.
Canada’s target list for sanctions ranges from beef, pork, cheese and corn to wine, pipes, office furniture and mattresses.