A Wisconsin Congressman is again trying to end payments to Brazilian cotton farmers. Brazil filed an action against the U.S. for unfair trade practices in 2004 and won the case. Wisconsin Third District Congressman Ron Kind says that’s why the U.S. spends $147 million each year to subsidize Brazilian cotton growers.
The amendment by Kind and Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer would end those subsides and reform the cotton industry.
Kind says these subsides are, in essence, bribery payments to ensure Brazil does not implement sanctions against the U.S.
The La Crosse Democrat says there are some Southern Senators blocking any attempts to reform and modernize the cotton program so it can be globally competitive. He says it’s just another example of how dysfunctional Washington has become.
WRDN