U.S. SENATE —Today, at a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Steve Daines voiced the concerns of Montana farmers and ranchers to the President by urging the President to expand access to markets critical to the agriculture community. In response to Daines’ request, the President expressed interest in reengaging in a trade agreement with Asia-Pacific countries that works for farmers and ranchers. This also follows a letter to President Trump that Daines led with 25 Senators urging him to consider improving and re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) Larry Kudlow, Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and select elected officials from America’s Heartland states were also at the meeting.
“I am glad to hear the President’s interest in reengaging with Asia-Pacific region so America can access this critical marketplace,” said Daines. “I know the President can make a better deal that works for farmers, ranchers, workers and American consumers.”
Daines’ Record on Trade:
On February 16, 2018, Daines led 25 senators in sending a letter to President Trump urging the President to act on his recent statements expressing interest in considering an improved Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
On January 30, 2018, Daines sent a letter to President Trump, reaffirming the benefits on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and urging him to modernize it to reflect the 21st century economy.
On November 20, 2017, Daines sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross urging him to consider the critical role agriculture plays in the U.S, economy and its dependence on trade.
On November 8, 2017, Daines secured an agreement between JD.com, one of China’s largest retailers and the Montana Stockgrowers Association with the intent to purchase a minimum of $200 million in Montana-sourced beef over the next several years.
On June 28, 2017, Daines sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Lighthizer, urging him to consider the impact of trade with Mexico and Canada on the U.S. agricultural industry while renegotiating NAFTA.
On June 8, 2017, Daines sent a letter to USTR Ambassador Lighthizer, outlining priorities for a modernized NAFTA.
On May 12, 2017, Daines announced that an agreement was reached to open Chinese markets to U.S. beef no later than July 16, 2017.
On May 5, 2017, Daines led a letter to the Chinese Premier asking him to open Chinese markets to U.S. beef.
On April 17, 2017, Daines returned from leading an official congressional delegation trip to China where he hand-delivered four Montana steaks from Miles City to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and pressed Chinese officials to finalize negotiations and re-open Chinese markets to U.S. beef. Daines also hand-delivered a letter from the Montana Stockgrowers Association to Premier Li.
On April 5, 2017, Daines led 39 Senators in asking Trump to prioritize opening Chinese markets to U.S. beef.
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