Van Orden Statement on U.S.–Argentina Beef Trade

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden issued the following statement in response to unconfirmed reports that the Trump administration plans to quadruple Argentine beef imports into the United States:

“Wisconsin farmers and ranchers raise some of the best beef in the world. Flooding our markets with foreign beef from Argentina would undercut the hardworking men and women who put food on America’s tables.

I understand the importance of keeping Argentina out of China’s sphere of influence, but we cannot do it at the expense of our own producers. American food security is national security. The focus should be on investing in efforts to strengthen and expand domestic beef production — that’s the right approach for America’s farmers and consumers alike.

That’s why I am encouraged by the plan announced by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler. Their plan strengthens the American beef industry by reinforcing and prioritizing the American rancher’s critical role in the national security of the United States.

Food security is national security. I stand with this administration and will work in Congress to advance the mission to ensure we are investing in our agricultural markets to support America’s farmers and protect our domestic supply chain.”

To view the interagency plan, please click here.

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