A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay".
4/2/2024, 2:30 PMSummary of Bill SJRES 62
Bill 118 SJRes 62 is a joint resolution that aims to disapprove a rule submitted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay. The rule in question falls under chapter 8 of title 5 of the United States Code, which governs the regulatory process for federal agencies.The resolution seeks to overturn the APHIS rule, which would allow for the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay into the United States. Supporters of the resolution argue that allowing beef imports from Paraguay could pose risks to American consumers, as the country may not have the same food safety standards as the US.
Opponents of the resolution, on the other hand, believe that the rule is necessary to promote trade and economic growth between the US and Paraguay. They argue that the beef industry in Paraguay has been deemed safe by international standards and that importing beef from the country would benefit American consumers by providing them with more choices and potentially lower prices. Overall, the resolution is a contentious issue that highlights the complex considerations involved in regulating international trade and ensuring food safety for American consumers. It will be up to Congress to decide whether to approve or disapprove the APHIS rule regarding the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay.
Congressional Summary of SJRES 62
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) titled Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay and published on November 14, 2023. The final rule allows for the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from Paraguay into the United States under certain conditions.
The United States prohibits or restricts the importation of certain animals and animal products to prevent the introduction of various animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). In response to a request from Paraguay to allow the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay into the United States, APHIS conducted a risk analysis. APHIS concluded that fresh beef could be safely imported from Paraguay, provided that certain conditions are met.
These conditions include that (1) FMD has not been diagnosed in the exporting region within the previous 12 months; (2) the meat originated from premises where FMD has not been present during the lifetime of any bovines slaughtered for U.S. meat export; and (3) APHIS may periodically conduct on-site evaluations and subsequent inspections of the slaughter facilities, records, and operations.
