Rounds’ resolution would resume ban on beef imports from Paraguay

The Biden administration’s recent decision to lift a ban on beef imports from Paraguay would be overturned under a bipartisan Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution filed on Feb. 26 by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD). 

“I’m pleased to be filing this CRA with Sen. Tester to overturn this rule that harms American producers and consumers,” said Sen. Rounds, who cosponsored Senate Joint Resolution 62 alongside sponsor U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT). 

Under the resolution, the CRA — an oversight tool Congress may use to overturn final rules issued by federal agencies by a simple majority vote — would state that Congress disapproves of the rule submitted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service entitled “Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay,” and that the rule would have no force or effect, according to the text of the resolution.

“South Dakota farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to produce the safest, highest quality and most affordable beef in the world,” said Sen. 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.”

The resolution is supported by the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation, the South Dakota Farmers Union, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the United States Cattlemen’s Association, R-CALF USA, the Livestock Marketing Association, and the National Farmers Union.  

“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 Sen. Tester. “That’s why I’m teaming up with Sen. 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.”

The companion House Joint Resolution 115 was sponsored on Feb. 20 by U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and 19 original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), August Pfluger (R-TX), and Yadira Caraveo (D-CO).