House should reject Sugar Modernization Act, support Zero for Zero instead

May 8, 2018, Fairfax, Va.—Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning today issued the following statement after joining with eight free market and limited government groups in calling for the House to reject H.R. 4265, the Sugar Modernization Act, and instead to adopt the Zero for Zero approach to reducing sugar subsidies:

“The Sugar Policy Modernization Act foolishly mandates that the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversupply U.S. markets with subsidized foreign sugar and removes critical farmer loan programs that are otherwise available to almost every commodity. This proposal puts America last, and supposes that we should unilaterally lower our subsidies at a time when countries like Brazil, India and China are increasing their sugar production incentives, disadvantaging U.S. sugar producers and leaving them unprotected.

“Instead, Congress should be considering U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho’s Zero for Zero approach, where the U.S. only lowers its domestic supports when other countries do the same. The U.S. must not unilaterally surrender at a time when the President is trying to move towards fair and reciprocal trade. Those who argue for free markets should embrace giving the President the tools to end the international subsidization of sugar, and put America first.”

Attachments:

Letter from nine free market and limited government groups to House Republicans urging rejection of H.R. 4265, May 8, 2018 at https://getliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FreeMarketSugarLetter5-8-18.pdf

“Give President Trump the Power to Negotiate Sugar Subsidies Away,” By Rick Manning, May 8, 2018 at https://pjmedia.com/trending/give-president-trump-the-power-to-negotiate-sugar-subsidies-away/

Interview Availability: Please contact Americans for Limited Government at 703-383-0880 ext. 106 or at media@limitgov.org to arrange an interview with ALG experts.

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