Grassley is chairman of the International Trade Subcommittee and a specially designated Congressional Trade Advisor.
During a three-part series of trade hearings this week on Capitol Hill, Grassley pressed the U.S. Trade Representative make improving market access for American farmers a top priority.
"It's really good news to hear what Vice President Gore has said in Europe today because the administration is finally taking a leadership role in breaking these barriers down. I am committed to making sure that U.S. officials stay focused on working toward these goals throughout the year and to helping achieve them at the ministerial meeting this fall," Grassley said.
Trade ministers from the 133 countries in the WTO are scheduled to meet in the United States in November to set the mandate, structure and deadlines for the next round of negotiations aimed at cutting subsidies paid to farmers and reforming international trade rules. Negotiations are expected to begin in early 2000 and end three years later.
During the last several years, Grassley has been a leader on Capitol Hill working to break down non-tariff trade barriers and reduce export subsidies in other countries. He has exercised aggressive oversight of administration efforts to break down EU resistance to Bt corn and meat exported from the United States, for example, and he introduced bi-partisan legislation to require the U.S. government to retaliate against trading partners when they do not live up to agreements.
Grassley has been an outspoken advocate for fast-track trade negotiating authority for the president. Last year, Grassley organized a bi-partisan effort with Sen. Bob Kerrey of Nebraska to revitalize interest in trade issues in Congress.