Reps. Meyer, Rivet, Sheltrown, Gillard, Elkins, Adamini, Brown, Rick Johnson, Julian, Newell, Spade, Farrah, Sak, McConico, Minore, Kolb, Meisner, Ehardt, Hune, Phillips, Hager, Richardville, Bieda, O'Neil, Bradstreet, Casperson, DeRossett, Farhat, Garfield, Gleason, Hopgood, Howell, Jamnick, Law, Middaugh, Nitz, Paletko, Shulman, Stahl, Stewart, Vander Veen and Voorhees offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 51.

            A resolution to urge the United States Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Trade Representative, and the President of the United States to take actions to enforce NAFTA agreements and work with Mexican authorities to reopen the border with Mexico to shipments of dry beans.

            Whereas, In January 2003, border officials in Mexico closed the border to shipments of dry beans.  No notice or reason was provided, although Mexican authorities have subsequently made references to problems with "under invoicing."  In the meantime, dozens of rail cars loaded with dry beans sit at the border, awaiting resolution of the dispute; and

            Whereas, The rail cars of crops, which face ruin if much more time passes, represent a potentially devastating loss to American farmers and suppliers.  The costs rise every day.  The losses reach far beyond growers to shippers and owners of equipment as well.  United States growers have also been frustrated by reports that Mexico may permit shipments of Canadian crops to cross the border; and

            Whereas, The United States continues to import tons of various crops from Mexico every day in the midst of this inexplicable embargo.  The damage that this impasse may ultimately cause could extend far beyond the rail cars sitting idle at the border.  Growers making decisions on what to plant now may well turn to other crops; and

            Whereas, Disruption in trade between our two countries is much more than frustrating to a specific segment of American agriculture.  Without a just and quick resolution of this problem, the progress that has been made in opening up markets may be jeopardized as well; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Trade Representative, and the President of the United States to take actions to enforce NAFTA agreements and work with Mexican authorities to reopen the border with Mexico to the shipment of dry beans; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the United States Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Trade Representative, and the Office of the President of the United States.