Central ND News

The United States Senate has made a significant decision regarding the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay. On March 21, 2024, the Senate passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval aimed at overturning the Biden administration's rule to lift the long-standing ban on Paraguayan beef imports.

The resolution, which saw a vote of 70 to 25, was introduced by U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Mike Rounds and garnered bipartisan support. Following the Senate's decision, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer expressed his concerns, stating, “Resuming beef imports from Paraguay could reintroduce foot-and-mouth disease, which our producers have worked hard to eliminate. This would be devastating. We should be protecting our ranchers and their livestock, not putting them more at risk.”

Senator Cramer also highlighted the disconnect he perceives between the resolution's bipartisan support and the actions of the Biden administration, remarking, “This resolution passing with bipartisan support illustrates how out of touch the Biden administration is.”

The resolution has received backing from various organizations, including the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, U.S. Cattleman’s Association, Livestock Marketing Association, R-CALF USA, National Farmers Union, and American Farm Bureau Federation.

This development marks a crucial step in the ongoing debate surrounding the importation of Paraguayan beef into the United States, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country's livestock industry from potential risks associated with foot-and-mouth disease reintroduction.