FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 1995
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressmen Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) and Thomas W. Ewing (R-IL) today introduced legislation that would require Congressional approval before agriculture could be singled out in the event of an embargo.
"Regardless of the final outcome of this year's farm bill legislation, farmers will be more dependent on the marketplace for a greater share of their incomes," Peterson said. "Especially under this scenario, an embargo on agricultural products could be devastating."
The legislation would prevent the President from issuing an embargo that targets only agricultural sales, without majority approval of both Houses of Congress. This legislation, however, would not affect broad-based embargoes.
"Farmers face adversity from weather, market fluctuations, and other forces beyond their control," Peterson said. "This bill would help prevent the Federal government from being another on the long list of challenges our farmers face."