The House Agriculture Committee’s farm bill expresses “congressional concern” about President Donald Trump’s plan to import more beef from Argentina, even with industry-friendly cushions and assurances that he won’t push U.S. producers out of the market.
An amendment offered by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) was unanimously backed via voice vote during Tuesday’s markup.
The measure adds language to the farm bill saying that any trade deal to expand beef import quotas “is detrimental to domestic ranchers, cattle producers, and cattle markets,” and directing the Agriculture Department to create a report on how the increased beef imports from Argentina will affect U.S. ranchers.
“I’ve spoken directly with ranchers in my district who have said these Argentinian beef imports are a slap in the face to their hard work and to our heritage and won’t bring down beef prices at the grocery store,” Vasquez said.
