WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) issued the following statement regarding the Administration’s decision to request the establishment of a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel challenging Canada’s unfair restrictions on the sale of U.S. wine.

“I applaud President Trump’s decision today to challenge Canada’s unfair regulations that blatantly discriminate against one the most competitive wine producers in the world – the United States.  I am alarmed by Canada’s continued disregard for WTO rules—which comes at the expense of American agriculture—and I join the Administration in calling for Canada to live up to its commitments. Today’s action further highlights the importance of ensuring that our trade agreements are fully enforceable through binding dispute settlement.” 

Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) added:

“Around the world, consumers are demanding American-produced wine, growing our exports and supporting jobs in my home state of Washington. Yet our producers face discriminatory measures that put them at a competitive disadvantage when competing in other markets. Today, the Administration is taking action by challenging unfair regulations in the Canadian province of British Columbia that block imported wines from being sold on grocery store shelves to the detriment of Canadian consumers and U.S. producers. Thank you to Ambassador Lighthizer and his team for defending American wine producers and giving them a chance to compete on a level playing field.”