Overview
- Fourteen House Republicans led by Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer opposing an expansion of Argentina’s low‑tariff beef access.
- The administration confirmed last week that it plans to quadruple Argentina’s beef tariff‑rate quota, a move it says would help ease elevated U.S. meat prices.
- The lawmakers warn the change could undercut American cattle producers, weaken U.S. leverage in trade talks, and reintroduce avoidable animal‑health risks.
- They demand verified inspection equivalency and reciprocal market access, citing NCBA data showing about $801 million in Argentine beef sales to the U.S. over five years versus $7 million in U.S. exports to Argentina.
- Rollins acknowledged a foot‑and‑mouth disease issue reported in Argentina and said USDA would closely monitor imports, as farm‑state Republicans in both chambers press their objections while the White House argues the plan targets price relief and closer ties with President Javier Milei.