WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 27, 2019) — Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today released a statement regarding the announcement this week of a partial trade agreement with Japan.

“Eastern Washington farmers need certainty, and this agreement will help solidify an incredibly important market for wheat and other commodities,” said Cathy. “From the beginning, I’ve encouraged the Trump administration to move forward on trade agreements that will allow our farmers and ranchers to sell their products and provide food security to the world. This is an important step to lower tariffs and provide access into the world’s third largest economy.”

NOTE: This week, the Trump administration reached an agreement with Japan to lower agricultural tariffs and industrial tariffs, and set new rules for digital trade. Cathy has been outspoken about the need to reduce tariffs and move forward on trade negotiations. Last year, she wrote an op-ed in the Capital Press where she said, “Farmers and manufacturers in Eastern Washington have, and will continue to have, a champion for fair trade as I urge the administration to walk back tariffs, stop threats, and move more quickly on negotiating trade agreements that are good for all of us.”

In August, she also joined in welcoming the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries to Spokane to discuss the importance of a positive U.S.-Japan trade relationship.

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