SE Nebraska News

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood has recently co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution alongside U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-TX) to oppose the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay. Rep. Flood expressed his concerns, stating, "Nebraska is known as the Beef State. For over 150 years, thousands of ranchers and farmers around the state have raised the best quality cattle in the world. Paraguay has a history of poor infectious disease management in livestock production. I am proud to co-sponsor Rep. Jackson’s resolution to ensure Americans are eating the healthiest and safest beef possible."

The resolution aims to disapprove the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s final rule on the Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay. Rep. Flood emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of American consumers and cattle producers, stating, "The Biden Administration is putting America’s cattle producers and consumers at risk – Americans can’t afford this gamble and Congress needs to overturn this decision quickly."

The decision to allow the import of fresh Paraguayan beef was made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) based on outdated risk assessment data. This move has raised concerns about the potential risk of foreign animal diseases, such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), impacting America's beef, pork, and sheep industries. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that could threaten the safety and abundance of America's beef production system.

Support for the resolution comes from various organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, R-CALF USA, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, and the Livestock Marketing Association.

The full text of the bill and statements of support for the legislation can be found on the respective links provided.