Contact: Jess Peterson 202/870-3867
Email: usca@uscattlemen.org

Montana Senator Jon Tester was joined by Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso of Wyoming; Claire McCaskill, Missouri; Byron Dorgan, North Dakota; Tim Johnson, South Dakota; Kent Conrad, North Dakota; and Pete Domenici, New Mexico in the letter to Secretary Schafer.

The letter expressed the lawmakers’ concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposal to allow Argentina to ship meat products into the U.S. market despite Argentina’s documented problems with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

"We have serious concerns about the implementation of such a plan," the Senators wrote. "The USDA would be taking unnecessary risks if it implements this proposed rule, and would put the U.S. livestock industry and our rural economies in jeopardy."

"FMD is widely considered the most economically devastating of livestock diseases, and a recent study by Kansas State University found that an outbreak in the State of Kansas alone would cost more than $900 million," the Senators explained.

USCA Director and Trade Committee Chairman Doug Zalesky stated, "These Senators are doing the right thing for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Their support in addressing concerns with Argentina’s FMD problems makes a difference. Why would we reward a country like Argentina that sides against U.S. farmers and ranchers in the World Trade Organization and intentionally defaults on billion in loans made by U.S. companies," he asked. "There is not one good reason for USDA to place the U.S. cattle industry at risk by increasing meat imports from FMD infested Argentina."

"We have a lot of kinks to straighten out before turning the hose on," said Senator Tester, a custom butcher from Big Sandy, MT. "I have very serious concerns about easing any restrictions on meat from Argentina, and I've already asked the USDA to take another look at just how harmful an outbreak of FMD in this country could be."

Senator Enzi said, "We cannot afford to let volatile meat and livestock into our country, especially since country of origin labeling has not been implemented. An outbreak is nothing to be taken lightly and my colleagues and I will continue to push for sound policy when it comes to importing meat and livestock into this country."

"The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association appreciates the leadership of Senator Tester and the other Senators for working to protect the U.S. cattle industry," Zalesky said.

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to assembling a team to concentrate efforts in Washington D.C. to enhance and expand the cattle industry's voice on Capitol Hill. For membership forms and other information visit www.uscattlemen.org.