Washington- Republican US Senator Joni Ernst says it’s time for Congress to pass the Expanding Agricultural Exports Act that she’s co-sponsoring with an independent senator from Maine and a Democrat from Minnesota.

Radio Iowa reports that the bill would double federal funding for marketing campaigns that promote the sale of US agriculture products in foreign countries.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting at $30.5 billion agricultural trade deficit for Fiscal Year 2024,” Ernst said. “That’s why I’m leading the Expanding Agricultural Exports Act to strengthen the Market Access Program and Foreign Marketing Development program, helping build strong commodity markets overseas and new export opportunities for Iowa farmers.”

Ernst says the Biden administration should do more to promote the sale of US agricultural goods. Ernst’s comments came as the Prime Minister of Japan wrapped up a visit to the US.

“Japan understands the quality and care that comes with Iowa pork,” Ernst says. “They’re our third largest export destination and second leading export market for pork products.”

Mexico is the top export destination for Iowa Pork.