H.R. 10509: Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef Act

This bill would block a recent presidential action that was meant to expand beef imports into the United States. In practical terms, it would stop that import expansion from taking effect, and it would also prevent similar future presidential actions from increasing beef imports unless Congress first reviews and specifically approves them within 30 days.

What it would change

• It would cancel the effect of a specific presidential proclamation that expanded beef imports.
• It would require congressional approval before any future executive action could increase or expand beef imports.
• Without that approval, such an action could not take effect.

Advisory board creation

The bill would create a new Beef Import and Domestic Supply Advisory Board within the Department of Agriculture. The board would be made up of the Secretary of Agriculture and 11 additional members appointed by the Secretary.

The board would include representatives from the ranching, cattle feeding, beef processing, livestock market, and academic communities, as well as an expert on food affordability and grocery prices. One member would represent a livestock stockyard, with priority given to a stockyard near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The board would be tasked with developing a strategy to:

• rebuild the U.S. cattle herd,
• increase domestic beef production,
• reduce regulatory burden on American ranchers, and
• help keep beef prices lower for consumers over time.

Additional advisory role

In addition to developing that strategy, the board would advise the Secretary of Agriculture and Congress on policies related to retaining breeding cattle, expanding domestic beef processing capacity, improving competition in livestock markets, and increasing the domestic supply of beef.

Duration

The board would automatically end four years after the bill becomes law.

Relevant Companies

• TSN - Tyson Foods could be affected because it is a major beef processor and meat producer, so changes in beef import levels and domestic supply policy could affect its input costs and supply chain.
• HRL - Hormel Foods could be indirectly affected through changes in beef prices and supply conditions, since it uses beef in some of its products.
• CAG - Conagra Brands could be indirectly affected by changes in beef costs for products that include beef ingredients.