Legislation Introduced to Stop Beef Imports from Paraguay

Legislation was introduced last week to stop fresh beef imports from Paraguay.

U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) decision to allow beef imports from Paraguay.

“Centuries of blood and sweat have gone into America’s cattle industry, and I will not allow our reputation as the safest beef in the world to be compromised now. Congress must prevent this unsafe rule from moving forward to protect the livelihoods of America’s farmers and ranchers,” Jackson said in a statement.

Jackson cited concerns about potential foot-and-mouth disease and said USDA APHIS used outdated risk assessment data to make the decision to allow the imports, putting America’s beef, pork and sheep sectors at risk of foreign animal diseases.

“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. 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,” Jackson said. “I am proud to lead this CRA to prohibit the importation of risky Paraguayan beef alongside colleagues from both sides of the aisle, who know how vital it is to protect U.S. cattle producers from devastating foreign animal disease outbreaks.”

Many agricultural groups, including Texas Farm Bureau (TFB), opposed the agency’s decision, which was announced last November.

“To protect our nation’s cattle herd, we must ensure our trading partners meet the same animal health and food safety standards we pride ourselves on in the U.S. Unfortunately, Paraguay has historically struggled to contain foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, so importing their beef would pose a serious threat to not only producers, but also consumers,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “It is important for USDA to use updated scientific data before moving forward with rules that could put our nation’s food supply at risk.”

Texas congressional representatives who co-sponsored the legislation include Brian Babin, Troy Nehls and August Pfluger.

U.S. Reps. Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.), Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), David Rouzer (R-NC), Don Beacon (R-Neb.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), John Rose (R-Tenn.), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Mike Flood (R-Neb.) also co-sponsored the legislation.

In addition to TFB, the resolution is supported by American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Livestock Marketing Association and Texas Cattle Feeders Association.

Two U.S. Senators, Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced a similar measure in the Senate.

The resolution would require a simple majority vote from both chambers to head to the president’s desk.