Rounds’ bipartisan resolution to nix Paraguay-imported beef sails through Senate

The U.S. Senate on March 21 passed a bipartisan Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution co-authored by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) that would overturn a decision by the Biden administration to lift a ban on beef imports from Paraguay.

“There is more work that needs to be done with Paraguay before introducing their beef in American markets,” Sen. Rounds said. “Filing this resolution has been a bipartisan effort to protect American consumers while standing up for our producers.”

Sen. Rounds is the lead original cosponsor of Senate Joint Resolution (S.J.Res.) 62, which U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) co-authored and sponsored on Feb. 26 to nullify the final rule published on Nov. 14, 2023, by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), entitled Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay, that allows the U.S. to import fresh, chilled, frozen beef from Paraguay, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“South Dakota is known for having high-quality beef produced by hard-working farmers and ranchers across the state. We have very high standards regarding the quality of our beef. Unfortunately, Paraguay does not have the same history of enforcing health and safety standards that we do,” said Sen. Rounds. “Our inspectors haven’t been to Paraguay in 10 years. Consumers deserve to have a high degree of confidence in the quality and safety of beef they want to serve their families.”

The Senate’s veto-proof majority vote of 70-25 approving S.J.Res. 62 advanced the CRA resolution to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

The resolution is supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, R-CALF USA, the Livestock Marketing Association, and the National Farmers Union.

“By cutting corners to resume beef imports from a country with a recent history of foot and mouth disease, the Biden administration is jeopardizing our food supply and giving Montana consumers and producers a raw deal,” Sen. Tester said. “I’m proud to have secured overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate to force the Biden administration to reverse course.”