Central South Dakota News

WASHINGTON – In a significant move, the U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution aimed at overturning the Biden Administration's decision to lift a long-standing ban on beef imports from Paraguay. The resolution, authored by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), received overwhelming bipartisan support with a 70-25 veto-proof majority vote.

Senator Rounds expressed concerns about the quality and safety standards of Paraguayan beef, stating, "South Dakota is known for having high quality beef...Unfortunately, Paraguay does not have the same history of enforcing health and safety standards that we do." He emphasized the need for further evaluation before introducing Paraguayan beef into American markets.

Senator Tester criticized the Biden Administration's decision, asserting, "President Biden butchered this decision...jeopardizing our food supply and giving Montana consumers and producers a raw deal." He highlighted the importance of ensuring that Paraguay meets the same high animal health standards as American ranchers before allowing beef imports.

The bipartisan resolution was supported by various organizations, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA), R-CALF USA, Livestock Marketing Association, and National Farmers Union. Kent Bacus, Executive Director of Government Affairs for NCBA, emphasized the risk posed by Paraguayan beef imports to the U.S. cattle herd.

Justin Tupper, President of USCA, raised concerns about the lack of recent site visits to Paraguayan meat processing facilities, stating, "That nearly ten-year gap since the last site visit does not inspire confidence in Paraguay’s animal health and food safety protocols." The need for stringent safety measures was echoed by other industry leaders, including Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, and Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union.

The resolution to block beef imports from Paraguay comes after the Biden Administration's decision to resume imports based on outdated information. Rounds and Tester's efforts to protect American consumers and producers have culminated in the Senate's decisive action, sending a strong message about the importance of maintaining high standards in the beef industry.