Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressmen Matt Rosendale (MT-02) and Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the USA Beef Act to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to ensure that beef labeled “Product of the U.S.A.” is exclusively born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States.

“American ranchers deserve a fair shake. Allowing multinational companies to utilize the ‘Product of the U.S.A.’ label while importing foreign meat is both deceiving to the consumer and a hindrance to American producers,” said Rep. Rosendale. “This legislation offers a common-sense solution to the benefit of both American ranchers and consumers.”

Under current law, meatpackers are allowed to import cattle raised abroad, slaughter and package them in the United States, and sell them in grocery stores labeled as a product of the U.S.A.

The “Product of U.S.A.” label is a significant assurance of the quality and safety of beef to American consumers. It also serves as a sign to consumers that they’re supporting the work of American farmers and ranchers.

Allowing foreign importers to reap the benefits of using the “Product of U.S.A.” label defeats the purpose of having a label at all. This omission undermines American ranchers who genuinely utilize practices deserving of the label and misleads consumers who believe they are supporting American businesses.

“We need to level the playing field for family farmers who are competing with multi-national meat packing companies that are importing cattle and using the “Made in the U.S.” label," said Rep. Khanna. "The USA Beef Act will allow America to produce beef here again and will help strengthen our economy. I’m proud to lead this effort with Rep. Rosendale.”

In addition to Representative Khanna (CA-17), this legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Lauren Boebert (C-03), Clay Higgins (LA-03), and Mary Miller (IL-15).