White House Pushes Back on Congressional Pressure on Paraguayan Beef

The White House told the Senate that it strongly opposes an effort to undo the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's finding that fresh beef imports from Paraguay are safe.

The resolution of disapproval just gained another supporter with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and is led by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. The two are considered the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents on the ballot this year.

The administration said "USDA conducted a rigorous scientific evaluation including site visits [and] a full risk analysis," and the conclusion is that the risk is low. "If enacted, S.J. Res. 62 would undermine the credibility of long-standing science-based decision-making processes respected by the U.S. and upheld in our trade agreements, and could in turn severely threaten fair access to new and existing export markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers," the administration said.

The statement noted that there is a quota for Latin American beef exports, so Paraguayan exports cannot displace domestic beef production.

The statement also asserted that allowing Paraguayan beef exports is an important counterbalance to Russian and Chinese economic coercion. Some Paraguayan beef still goes to Russia, but China doesn't import beef from Paraguay, because Paraguay recognizes Taiwan.

"Access to the U.S. market is critical for Paraguay to recover exports lost to Russia and to withstand pressure from the PRC to withdraw diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. This resolution would amplify the false narratives pushed by our adversaries that the United States is not a reliable economic partner. And it would seriously harm U.S. national security interests, especially our efforts to support partners around the world who seek our help to resist economic coercion," the administration said.

If the resolution passes both chambers, President Joe Biden can retain the rule by vetoing the resolution.