The Senate voted on Thursday to pass a bill that would overturn the Biden administration's recent actions allowing beef imports from Paraguay, a country with a history of cattle-borne illness. The vote, with a margin of 70-25, approved the Congressional Review Act resolution, making it veto-proof.
The bipartisan resolution, introduced by Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Mike Rounds, R-S.D., in February, received widespread support from cattle and farm industry groups. They raised concerns about the potential negative impact on the U.S. food supply due to the Department of Agriculture's decision to allow Paraguayan beef imports.
Senator Tester criticized the Biden administration's move, stating that it could jeopardize the food supply and harm consumers and producers in Montana. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Paraguay meets the same high animal health standards as American ranchers before allowing beef imports.
In November, the USDA finalized regulations permitting Paraguayan beef imports, despite objections from lawmakers and industry groups in the U.S. Paraguay's history of foot-and-mouth disease raised concerns about the potential threat to the U.S. economy.
Senator Rounds highlighted the stringent quality standards upheld by U.S. beef producers and expressed reservations about Paraguay's enforcement of health and safety standards. He noted that U.S. inspectors had not visited Paraguay in a decade.
The USDA's decision to allow Paraguayan beef imports followed pressure from Paraguayan officials, who emphasized the importance of the industry to their nation's economy. Paraguayan authorities assured the U.S. government of their commitment to cattle health and safety.
Paraguayan industry associations and government agencies advocated for the immediate resumption of beef trade with the U.S., citing potential opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange in cattle breeding, herd management, and sustainable practices.
While the Senate's resolution aims to reverse the USDA's decision on Paraguayan beef imports, the debate underscores the importance of maintaining stringent standards to safeguard the U.S. food supply and protect domestic producers.
