Press Releases

Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement after the Ways and Means U.S. – China Trade hearing: “For the first time, our farmers can see greener pastures on the other side for their children and grandchildren,” said Arrington. “By distorting markets, manipulating currency, and their list of unfair practices, China has taken us for a ride for years. Presidents of both parties haven’t had the political will to stand up to China, take the political flack back home and send the message: we aren’t going anywhere till our farmers are treated fairly.” “This has been a painful transition and exercise getting to a place where we have true, fair, and reciprocal trading relationship, but the farmers in West Texas know that there is no such prospect in the future without resetting with China.” “Like all good, hardworking, God-fearing farmers, the agriculture producers in the food, fuel, and fiber capital of the world know that sacrifice is part of the American ethos. It’s part of the culture of rural America. It’s what you do every day as a farmer and they want to make sure that their children have the best chance to do what has been done for generations.”  Rep. Arrington’s full hearing remarks here: Background: The Trump Administration’s Phase One trade deal with China is a turning point for American trade policy that will benefit agriculture and energy economies in West Texas and across the country. China has committed to buying an additional $200 billion on top of the traditional baseline of U.S. exports to China. The United States will be maintaining 25% tariffs on approximately $250 billion worth of Chinese imports, along with 7.5% tariffs on approximately $120 billion of Chinese imports. Phase 2 negotiations are expected to commence immediately.