This week, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, opposing the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay final rule.
Jackson writes that on November 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture made the decision to begin allowing the import of fresh Paraguayan beef using risk assessment data from site visits to the country from over 10 years ago.
Producers argue that the outdated risk assessments put America’s beef, pork, and sheep industries at risk of foreign animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, a highly contagious viral disease that Paraguay has a long history of in their beef herds.
“Congress must prevent this unsafe rule from moving forward to protect the livelihoods of America’s farmers and ranchers. Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District is the top-fed cattle-producing district in the United States, and its importance to the rural communities I represent cannot be understated,” Jackson said. “This dangerous rule, based off decade-old data, is another example of the Biden administration failing to understand the needs of America’s agriculture producers, and further demonstrates their lack of insight and care for the industry.”
Agriculture groups have spoken out about the risks of the USDA’s November decision.
“The U.S. has been FMD-free since 1929. An outbreak of the disease in the U.S. would devastate the U.S. cattle and beef industry and significantly strain the nation’s food supply,” said U.S. Cattlemen’s Association president Justin Tupper. “Opening our borders to risky trade is a gamble I’m not willing to bet on. USCA requests the immediate recission of this proposed rule for all the reasons outlined in our written comments.”
This CRA is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, R-CALF USA, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, the Livestock Marketing Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and Texas Farm Bureau.
Representatives Yadira Caraveo (CO-08), Frank Lucas (OK-03), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), David Rouzer (NC-07), Don Bacon (NE-02), Mike Bost (IL-12), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Mary Miller (IL-15), Barry Moore (AL-02), Brad Finstad (MN-01), John Rose (TN-06), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Brian Babin (TX-36), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Mike Flood (NE-01), and August Pfluger (TX-11) cosponsored Jackson’s legislation.
“As the Representative of one of the largest agriculture-producing counties east of the Rocky Mountains, I’m proud to stand up on behalf of Colorado’s farmers and ranchers, who can’t afford to lose their cattle to a potential FMD disease, which Paraguay has a long history of in their cattle herds, said Caraveo. “We must maintain high standards of food safety and animal health for our agriculture producers and consumers.”