(WASHINGTON) – February 26, 2024 – The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) issued the following response regarding Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introducing the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the US Department of Agriculture’s recent decision to lift its animal health restrictions on imported fresh beef from Paraguay.
The CRA will rescind the Animal and Plant Health Inspection’s Service (APHIS) Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay final rule. The rule, which was finalized in November 2023, was opposed by USCA when originally issued, a stance made clear in comments submitted in opposition to the proposed rule in May 2023.
USCA President Justin Tupper issue the following statement: “The CRA introduced by Senators Jon Tester and Mike Rounds acknowledges the rigorous health and safety standards that are adhered to within all sectors of the U.S. beef industry.”
“USCA has maintained a strong policy against importation of fresh beef from countries who have had known cases of FMD. The nature of Paraguay’s beef production system, and its close ties with its neighbor Brazil, are reason enough to call for a halt of any action to allow fresh beef products into the US.”
“We are grateful to Senators Jon Tester and Mike Rounds for their leadership and look forward to working with Members of the US Senate and House to advance this bill forward. This is a bi-partisan effort that would continue a ban on beef imports in Paraguay. We urge cattle producers and consumers alike to weigh in and urge swift passage of this bill.”