Overview
- The administration confirmed plans to quadruple Argentina’s low-tariff beef quota, arguing the move will ease grocery costs and reinforce ties with President Javier Milei.
- Fourteen House Republicans, led by Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith, warned in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and USTR Jamieson Greer that expanded access could undercut U.S. producers, skew trade talks and raise animal-health risks.
- Farm-state Republicans escalated their objections in private meetings, with senators pressing Secretary Rollins and voicing concerns to Vice President JD Vance as the plan moved forward.
- Secretary Rollins said USDA is monitoring a reported foot-and-mouth disease issue in Argentina, while The Hill noted international lab records show no outbreak there since 2006.
- USDA outlined domestic support steps including expanded grazing access, disaster aid and market options, as average ground-beef prices hover near $6.32 per pound and U.S. cattle inventories sit at multi-decade lows.