June 28, 1999

Congress may get the chance at least to lay down some guidelines for U.S. negotiators when the next round of international trade talks opens in December. The guidelines, introduced as a resolution by Rep. Tom Ewing (R-IL), follow the prevailing thoughts of many agricultural interests, members of Congress and the Clinton Administration.

The resolution defines the goals for the upcoming World Trade Organization as a decrease in agricultural tariffs and a reduction in export subsidies, encouraging the discipline of state trading enterprises and promoting the notion that science, not protectionism, is the basis for worldwide trade rules.

There is no binding authority on U.S. negotiators from the resolution; it simply states the "sense" of Congress on the issue. Ewing says U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky discussed and agreed on the priorities with him. Seventy agricultural organizations that make up the so-called Seattle Round Agricultural Committee also have given approval.

"This resolution gives the administration a clear direction regarding agriculture as it enters the next round...in November," said Ewing. "It is absolutely essential that we provide our farmers with access to foreign markets and we guarantee that decisions made by the WTO are based on sound science and are enforced."

If approved under fast-track authority, which Congress has yet to okay, Congress cannot amend a negotiated agreement, only vote to approve or disapprove.