Amarillo Gazette

WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Congressman Jackson introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to oppose the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay final rule. The resolution aims to prevent the importation of Paraguayan beef into the United States due to concerns over the potential risks it poses to the country's agriculture industry.

In a statement, Congressman Jackson emphasized the importance of protecting America's cattle industry, stating, "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." He further highlighted the potential threat of foreign animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that Paraguayan beef imports could introduce, putting at risk the livelihoods of American farmers and ranchers.

Joining Congressman Jackson in this initiative, Representative Caraveo expressed her support for maintaining high standards of food safety and animal health for agriculture producers and consumers. She stated, "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."

The resolution introduced by Congressman Jackson has garnered support from various organizations and individuals within the agriculture industry. The American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, R-CALF USA, and other prominent associations have backed the effort to prohibit the importation of risky Paraguayan beef.

In addition to organizational support, several representatives from different states have cosponsored Congressman Jackson’s legislation, underscoring bipartisan concerns over the potential threats posed by the importation of Paraguayan beef. The collective effort aims to safeguard the U.S. cattle industry from the risks associated with foreign animal diseases and outdated risk assessments.

The full text of the bill and statements of support can be accessed for further information on the resolution aimed at prohibiting dangerous Paraguayan beef imports.