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Stabenow on COOL and WOTUS

Retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico could be detrimental to agricultural commodities.

Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee, says Congress needs to ensure Canada does not retaliate.

“Hopefully we can get agreement on those as soon as possible so that we don’t see negative consequences because that would be very bad for us in Michigan, so I’m pushing hard to get this resolved.”  Canada, Michigan’s largest export market, continues to threaten imposing just over $3 billion in retaliatory tariffs if the U.S. does not comply with WTO rulings.

Stabenow says the good news this week is the unanimous support in the Senate on EPA’s proposed Waters of the U.S. legislation.  “The new proposed rule that they have put out maintains all the historical exemptions for agriculture and forestry.”  She says she will continue to weigh in on the issue for her constituents if there is a concern from the farm community as the legislation moves forward.

Stabenow adds she’s very concerned about the Highway Trust Fund which runs out of funding at the end of July.

 AUDIO: Interview with Senator Stabenow (6:31 mp3):