Washington, D.C. —
Senator John Thune co-sponsored legislation introduced this week to limit Canadian beef imports after the border opens on March 7 this year.
To protect American consumers and South Dakota ranchers, Thune’s legislation will modify the USDA rule that is set to open the border to Canadian beef to apply only to beef and beef products from animals slaughtered at under 30 months old.
“The USDA must act to protect American consumers and domestic cattle ranchers,” said Thune, R-SD. “We must act quickly to make sure we do not endanger American consumers when the border opens on March 7. This important legislation will help ensure that this flawed rule does not harm South Dakota ranchers or American consumers.”
The legislation will also require the Secretary of Agriculture to re-evaluate Canada’s compliance with all of its BSE firewalls, and report to Congress regarding the findings, prior to taking any action to expand the rule to include eligible beef and beef products.
The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Burns, (R-Montana). Other co-sponsors of the legislation include Senators Nelson (D-NE), Hagel (R-NE), Roberts (R-KS), Thomas (R-WY), and Baucus (D-MT).
To protect American consumers and South Dakota ranchers, Thune’s legislation will modify the USDA rule that is set to open the border to Canadian beef to apply only to beef and beef products from animals slaughtered at under 30 months old.
“The USDA must act to protect American consumers and domestic cattle ranchers,” said Thune, R-SD. “We must act quickly to make sure we do not endanger American consumers when the border opens on March 7. This important legislation will help ensure that this flawed rule does not harm South Dakota ranchers or American consumers.”
The legislation will also require the Secretary of Agriculture to re-evaluate Canada’s compliance with all of its BSE firewalls, and report to Congress regarding the findings, prior to taking any action to expand the rule to include eligible beef and beef products.
The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Burns, (R-Montana). Other co-sponsors of the legislation include Senators Nelson (D-NE), Hagel (R-NE), Roberts (R-KS), Thomas (R-WY), and Baucus (D-MT).