Reps. Rosendale and Khanna Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Support U.S. Ranchers

Representative Rosendale (R-MT) along with Representative Khanna (D-CA) introduced the USA Beef Act to support American ranchers. This legislation is a companion bill to Senator Rounds’ (R-SD) legislation introduced today in the Senate.

This bipartisan bill would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to ensure that any beef labeled a “Product of U.S.A.” is in-fact a product exclusively born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States.

Under current law, meatpackers are allowed to import cattle raised in foreign countries, slaughter and package them in the United States, and then send them to market at a premium by labeling it as a product of the U.S.A.

The “Product of U.S.A.” label is a significant assurance as to the quality and safety of the beef consumers are feeding to their families. It also serves as a sign to show consumers they are supporting the work of American farmers and ranchers.

Allowing foreign importers to reap the benefits of using the “Product of USA” label defeats the purpose of having a label at all, while also undermining America’s ranchers who genuinely utilize practices deserving of the label.

“American ranchers deserve a fair shake. Allowing multinational companies to utilize the ‘Product of USA’ label while importing foreign meat is both deceiving to the consumer and a hindrance to American producers. This legislation offers a common-sense solution to the benefit of both American ranchers and consumers,” Representative Rosendale said.

“Proud to cosponsor this important bill that will promote fair competition for American producers. It’ll ensure that beef labeled “Product of USA” is actually raised in the United States. Multinational companies will no longer be able to pass off imported meat as American and consumers can be confident their dollars are staying in their community,” Congressman Khanna said.

In addition to Representative Khanna (D-CA), this bill is also co-sponsored by Representatives Yvette Herrell (R-NM), Ed Case (D-HI), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Barry Moore (R-AL), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA).