U.S. Representative August Pfluger (R) issued a statement voicing strong opposition to potential beef imports from Argentina, emphasizing his commitment to protecting American cattle producers and maintaining the nation's high agricultural standards.
"American cattle ranchers are the backbone of our food security and a cornerstone of our economy," Pfluger said.
He stressed that the current beef prices reflect a robust demand rather than a lack of supply, warning that importing foreign beef could discourage U.S. ranchers from expanding their herds and investing in domestic production.
Pfluger raised concerns about animal health, cautioning that beef from countries with inconsistent safety records could jeopardize the integrity of American herds and the nation's trusted food system.
Pfluger also reaffirmed his support for domestic agriculture.
"I am proud to stand with some of the strongest American beef supporters in Congress to ensure we keep investing in and supporting American agriculture," said Pfluger.
Along with his public statement, Pfluger joined several congressional colleagues in signing a letter to the Trump administration urging caution on beef import policy. The letter emphasized that American ranchers produce the world's highest-quality beef under rigorous health and safety standards and should not be undermined by lower-quality foreign imports.
It also called for future trade decisons to be based on "full transparency, sound science, and a firm commitment to the U.S. cattle industry."
