Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today asked United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk to clarify his recent comments about the implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Johnson, who has made it a priority to get the program in place, is asking that COOL be implemented as Congress intended without additional compromises.
According to recent news reports, Representative Kirk has stated his intention to reach a compromise regarding the implementation of COOL with other countries, including Canada and Mexico. Johnson is concerned that such a compromise could result in implementation that is different than what Congress has outlined.
“I am concerned by Representative Kirk’s recent comments regarding the implementation of mandatory COOL. Congress spent a great deal of time making clear how COOL should be implemented, and I expect the USDA and the Obama Administration will follow through with their commitment to follow Congressional intent,” said Johnson.
A Copy of the Letter is Below:
United States Trade Representative Ron KirkWashington, DC 20508
United States of AmericaTrade Representative Kirk:I write seeking clarification concerning your recent comments regarding the implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), which as you know, is a significant priority of mine. Your recent comments regarding achieving a compromise for implementation of the agreement is concerning.News outlets, including the Dow Jones and Red River Farm Network, recently reported your intention to reach a compromise with respect to the implementation of COOL with other countries. Dow Jones reported that you acknowledged a “dialogue between [Canada and the United States] is continuing” on the program and you would like “to see if we can't come to some mutually agreed upon resolution.” I am committed to seeing the program implemented as Congress intended, as are over thirty additional bipartisan Senators who signed my September 25, 2008 letter to the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary urging that Congressional intent be upheld regarding implementation of COOL. I question to what “resolution” you are referring in your comments?You very clearly stated that you will work to uphold Congressional intent with implementation of COOL during your confirmation hearing. It is my understanding that during your confirmation hearing, you expressed an understanding of the need to enforce Secretary Vilsack’s changes to the rule if Canada or Mexico were to challenge the law. Secretary Vilsack’s changes make substantial strides toward implementing the law properly, and I was pleased to hear of your commitment to proper program implementation. I am therefore quite concerned by your recent comments and request clarification on this point.I thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.Sincerely,Tim JohnsonUnited States Senate
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For more information on Senator Tim Johnson visit his website at http://johnson.senate.gov.
