Grassley: NAFTA Taxes Front And Center For Ag

With renegotiations scheduled to start later this month, the agriculture community continues to pressures the White House to keep gains made under NAFTA.  Senator Chuck Grassley, like many other ag supporters say it’s important to remember that trade with Mexico and Canada has quadrupled since NAFTA went in to effect in 1994.

“With the Administration begins renegotiations in about two weeks, they must not forget the pledge to do no harm.  Like doctors are thought, first do no harm.”

In addition to trade, Grassley says tax relief will also be a key issue in DC this fall.  He suggested some bargaining in Congress this fall, that could make tax reform, easier than healthcare reform.

“There are some Republicans who have expressed to me that there are three or four democrats, on Finances, that are willing to look at some bipartisanship.  Now, will they get pressure from Chuck Schumer not to do that?  I don’t know, that pressure really worked on health care reform.”

Grassley argued Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer might have a tougher time blocking tax reform, since the issue is less “personal” for voters than healthcare reform.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com