WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier today, 17 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, encouraging him to consider a rice-specific Section 301 investigation into nations that are unfairly harming our domestic rice producers.
For well over a hundred years, the U.S. has not only produced nearly all of its rice but also exported half of it to more than 120 countries around the world. Unfortunately, over the last two decades, that import and export ratio has rapidly shifted, putting more than 35 American rice mills and thousands of American family rice farmers at risk because of trade-distorting practices happening on the other side of the globe.
In the U.S. House of Representatives,
the letter was organized and led by Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR-1), who represents the largest rice-producing district in the country.
The letter highlights recent action taken by the USTR, which filed the latest counter notification at the WTO pertaining to its excess levels of support for rice and wheat (see
USA Rice Daily, March 16, 2026), as well as efforts to date taken by the Trump Administration to elevate the role of U.S. agriculture as it pursues new trade agreements and enforcement action. Specifically, the letter notes “we were also encouraged by your statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs in late February regarding a rice-specific Section 301 investigation. As such, we respectfully request expedited consideration of a rice-specific Section 301 investigation into nations unfairly harming our domestic rice producers.”
“For too long, many nations, especially India, have engaged in unfair trade practices that harm U.S. rice producers. It is encouraging that during his tenure as U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Greer has maintained an aggressive posture towards foreign nations who harm domestic producers,” said Rep. Crawford. “I am proud to be leading this letter, joined by 16 of my colleagues in Congress, urging Ambassador Greer to expedite Section 301 investigations into nations dealing unfairly with our rice farmers.”
“On behalf of USA Rice, I commend Congressman Crawford for spearheading this effort to provide support in USTR’s efforts to push back on countries that are violating their international trade commitments and harming our domestic rice industry,” said USA Rice Chair Keith Glover. “The letter to Ambassador Greer is particularly timely as USTR continues to initiate Section 301 investigations, and we appreciate the board and bipartisan support from members of the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Congressman Crawford was joined by fellow Reps. Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Troy Carter (D-LA-2), Michael Cloud (R-TX-27), Monica De La Cruz (R-TX-15), Mike Ezell (R-MS-4), Michael Guest (R-MS-3), Clay Higgins (R-LA-3), French Hill (R-AR-2), Trent Kelly (R-MS-1), Julia Letlow (R-LA-5), Michael McCaul (R-TX-10), Troy Nehls (R-TX-22), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-2), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), and Bruce Westerman (R-AR-4).