Lawmakers Reject Trump Plan to Import Argentine Beef
Lawmakers across the country decried President Donald Trump's plan to increase imports of Argentine beef, citing "strong concerns" from the U.S. cattle industry.
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Trump said in an Oct. 27 gaggle that the U.S. is "going to take some beef" from Argentina because he has to "get the price down," while maintaining that he is "going to make sure the cattle ranchers don't get hurt." Trump has softened his tone compared to last week when he pushed back on complaints from cattle ranchers over his plan to import Argentine beef (see 2510220026).
House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith, R-Neb., said in a statement that he has "serious concerns" about increasing Argentine beef imports as it may create "unintended consequences." He said that he has raised his concerns with the Trump administration and will stay in "regular contact" with government officials.
A bipartisan group of eight Colorado lawmakers, including Trump stalwart Lauren Boebert, issued a statement urging the administration to "reconsider" the policy as it "could pose risk" to the American cattle market and "countless individuals" across the state "whose livelihoods depend on it."
House Republicans from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Colorado, Kansas and Texas sent a letter to the Trump administration, saying that they have "heard strong concerns from producers" regarding the policy and are "seeking clarity" on how it will be carried out, "what safety and inspection standards will apply," and how it aligns with the administration's "commitment to strengthening American agriculture."
Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said in a statement that importing more Argentine beef "will set farmers and ranchers back. I urge the administration to reconsider its plans."
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association called Trump's plan "misguided" and NCBA CEO Colin Woodall said if Trump was "truly an ally" of American cattle ranchers he would abandon the policy.