U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) warned Japan this week of economic sanctions if its import ban on U.S. beef continues, the Kyodo News reported.

"The embargo has gone on too long, and an amicable agreement must be reached soon or Congress will have no choice but to impose trade sanctions against Japan," Brownback said after meeting with Japanese Ambassador Ryozo Kato. "Our beef is the safest and highest quality in the world, and it's high time for Japan to recognize this," he said. -- Joe Roybal