Rounds, Tester Introduce CRA to Overturn Biden Administration Decision Allowing Beef Imports from Paraguay

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) officially filed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would overturn the Biden administration’s recent decision to lift a long-standing ban on beef imports from Paraguay. A CRA is an oversight tool Congress may use to overturn final rules issued by federal agencies by a simple majority vote.

“South Dakota farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to produce the safest, highest quality and most affordable beef in the world,” said Rounds. “Paraguay, on the other hand, has historically struggled to contain outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. Consumers across America should be able to confidently feed their families beef that they know has met the rigorous standards required in the United States. I’m pleased to be filing this CRA with Senator Tester to overturn this rule that harms American producers and consumers.”

“My message to the Biden Administration is simple: cutting corners to resume beef imports from a country with a recent history of foot and mouth disease is bad news for both Montana consumers and producers, and I won’t let it stand,” said Tester. “Montana ranchers produce the best beef in the world, and it’s clear that the USDA doesn’t have the data to show that Paraguay meets the same animal health standards. That’s why I’m teaming up with Senator Rounds to overturn this decision from the Biden Administration that is giving a raw deal to American ranchers and could have dangerous impacts on our food supply.”

Rounds and Tester’s bipartisan resolution is supported by the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation, South Dakota Farmers Union, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA), R-CALF USA, Livestock Marketing Association and National Farmers Union.  

“It is critical for federal officials to consider current data when making decisions that may impact the U.S. cattle herd,” said Scott VanderWal, President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation. “USDA's use of outdated research is not in the best interest of South Dakota farmers and ranchers. We thank Senator Rounds and Senator Tester for working to protect American producers.”

“The negative ramifications surrounding Paraguayan beef imports are clear. And, the South Dakota Farmers Union is grateful for the diligent work and perseverance of Senators Rounds and Tester in protecting South Dakota cattle and cattle producers,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “With Paraguay’s long history of Foot and Mouth Disease, along with the combination of APHIS’ long overdue inspections, the Paraguay import reversal creates an unnecessary risk to South Dakota’s beef industry. South Dakota Farmers Union stands in support with Senators Rounds and Tester requesting a Congressional Review Act and desire prompt approval.”

“USDA’s decision to allow Paraguayan beef imports into the U.S. creates an unnecessary risk to the health and safety of the U.S. cattle herd. U.S. cattle producers are held to the highest food safety and animal health standards in the world and any trade partner must be able to demonstrate they can meet those same standards,” said Kent Bacus, Executive Director of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). “Given Paraguay’s long history of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, it is simply too risky to allow Paraguayan imports without recent site visits to confirm Paraguay’s safety claims. U.S. cattle producers are thankful for the leadership of Senators Jon Tester and Mike Rounds for applying the Congressional Review Act to hold USDA accountable and protect our nation’s cattle herd.”

“The last time U.S. government officials stepped foot in a Paraguayan meat processing facility was in 2014. That nearly ten-year gap since the last site visit does not inspire confidence in Paraguay’s animal health and food safety protocols,” said Justin Tupper, President of U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA). “Further, in its regulatory impact analysis, USDA fully admits that there is a real possibility we could import beef from an animal infected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). An outbreak of FMD in the United States would be devastating for both producers and consumers, causing lasting financial losses between $33 and $93 billion. We thank Senators Tester and Rounds.”

“We applaud Senator Tester and Senator Rounds for protecting the integrity of America's beef supply,” said Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA. “The USDA's reliance on outdated inspections of Paraguayan food safety protocols is unacceptable. We urge swift passage of this critical measure.”

“LMA greatly appreciates Senator Tester and Rounds standing up for the health of the U.S. cattle industry,” said Mark Barnett, President of Livestock Marketing Association. “The irresponsible decision to allow fresh Paraguay beef imports based on outdated site visits and inadequate data is an unacceptable risk for hardworking beef producers in this country.”

“Importing beef from Paraguay risks undermining consumer trust in the safety and quality of domestic beef,” said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union. “Given the unresolved concerns about Paraguay's quality standards and regulatory system, Senators Tester and Rounds’ leadership in pushing to reinstate the ban is crucial.”

BACKGROUND:

• In November 2023, the Biden administration announced that they are lifting a ban on beef imports from Paraguay.
• In December 2023, Rounds and Tester introduced legislation to ban beef imports from Paraguay.
• In December 2023, Rounds and Tester announced their intention to file a CRA to overturn the Biden administration’s decision to allow beef imports from Paraguay.

Click HERE for full CRA text.

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