June 24, 1999

The Senate Finance Committee rejected assistance to farmers when income losses can be attributed to unfair trade. Sens. Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) had offered an amendment to provide $100 million to farmers for the provision. It was rejected on a 9-11 vote.

U.S. workers already are compensated for trade-related income losses. "Farmers and ranchers are continually at the short end of the deal when it comes to trade agreements," said National Farmers Union President Leland Swenson. "It is only fair that Congress provides farmers and ranchers relief until flawed trade agreements are fixed. We hope the Senate will take another good look at the measure when it is offered on the Senate floor."

The amendment was offered to a bill that would reauthorize the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program that compensates workers.