Washington Week Ahead: White House welcomes Japanese Prime Minister

WASHINGTON, April 29 – President Obama will welcome Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of Japan for a bilateral meeting on Monday, followed by a working lunch and a Rose Garden press conference at 2 p.m. Afterwards, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will host a gala dinner.

Noda, who came to power last September and is Japan’s sixth prime minister in six years, seems determined to shore up relations with the U.S. - despite the fact that his political support back home is below 30% as he tries to tackle Japan’s national debt and other tough domestic issues.

The President and Prime Minister will discuss a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance, economic and trade issues, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and deepening bilateral cooperation, according to White House sources. The two leaders will also discuss regional and global security concerns.

A senior Obama administration official told reporters Friday that a primary goal of the meeting will be to "set out their common vision for the partnership and for the alliance throughout the 21st century"

The TPP aims to eventually end all tariffs among member nations and many U.S. officials would like to complete the TPP, with Japan and nine other nations, before the end of 2012 as a way to expand U.S. exports. However, the Prime Minister faces stiff opposition from heavily subsidized farm groups within his own country.

Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden is making campaign swings to Kansas City, MO. and Gary, Indiana on Monday. Biden’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden will visit local community colleges while he’s stumping for President Obama’s re-election.  

Members of Congress will have a break from Washington until May 7 and some are holding local hearings and forums. For example, House Agriculture Committee member Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-MO, will hold a forum on the 2012 Farm Bill in Clinton, MO on May 2.

For other field hearings and events this week.

Monday, April 30

11:00 a.m., House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology | Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, Field Hearing: STEM Education in Action: Local Schools, Non-Profits, and Businesses; Bob Jones High School Madison, Alabama

USDA Reports: Agricultural Prices, Egg Products, Peanut Stocks and Processing,             Crop Progress

Tuesday, May 1

2:00 p.m., House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, Field Hearing: Using Technology to Facilitate Trade and Enhance Security at Our Ports of Entry, Room 101, De La Garza Building, West End Washington St. Laredo, TX

USDA Reports: Commodity Costs and Returns Data

Wednesday, May 2

Animal Agriculture Alliance 11th annual Stakeholders Summit, The Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Virginia

AGree Vision for 2030, A Foundation for Change: Strategies for Meeting the Challenges Facing the Food and Agriculture System

USDA Reports: Broiler Hatchery, Dairy Products

Thursday, May 3

Animal Agriculture Alliance 11th annual Stakeholders Summit, The Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Virginia

USDA Reports: U.S. Export Sales

Friday, May 4

USDA Reports: Peanut Prices

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