SENATE BILL REPORT

HJM 4018

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Agriculture & International Trade, February 27, 2002

Brief Description:  Petitioning to end restrictions on trade with Cuba.

Sponsors:  Representatives Veloria, Morell, Grant, Mastin, Chase, Clements, Hunt, Santos, Schoesler and Haigh.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & International Trade:  2/27/02 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Parlette, Sheahan, Snyder, Spanel and Swecker.

Staff:  Bob Lee (786‑7404)

Background:  In 2000, Congress enacted the Trade Sanction Reform and Export Enhancement Act to liberalize United States' sanctions on exports of agricultural products to Cuba.  Following recent hurricanes, some initial food shipments were made from the United States to Cuba.  However, continuing United States' restrictions limits full access to the Cuban markets.

Summary of Amended Bill:  Congress and the President of the United States are requested to end restrictions on trade with Cuba.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The request for lifting trade restrictions with Cuba is limited to sale of agricultural products.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  Based on a trip by a delegation to Cuba, there are many opportunities to sell products to Cuba.  Trade sanctions prohibiting sale of agricultural products have had a negative effect on domestic producers and have had little impact on the foreign country as they readily find willing sellers.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Eric Hurlburt, WSDA (pro).