Rep. Gabe Vasquez Pushes Back on Administration’s Shortsighted Decision to Allow Beef Imports from Paraguay

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, U.S. RepresentativeGabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) announced he is leading H.J.Res.115, a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Administration’s decision to allow beef imports from Paraguay, whose history of Foot-and-Mouth Diseases raises serious concerns about food safety. 

Vasquez is one of two Democrats who joined nearly two dozen Republicans to push back against the Administration in order to protect New Mexico’s agricultural industry and public health. 

“I’m opposed to the Administration’s decision to suddenly allow beef imports from Paraguay, which impacts New Mexico cattle growers and raises public health concerns,” said Vasquez. “I stand with New Mexico’s Agriculture industry, which is why I am leading this bipartisan effort to reverse this decision and instead prioritize American cattle growers and the well-being of American consumers.”

“We applaud Congressman Vasquez for co-sponsoring H.J. Res. 115, which will protect the health of our domestic livestock herd from unnecessary exposure to Foot and Mouth Disease,” said Larry Reagan, President of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. “Animal health is extremely important to our state’s livestock producers, and we appreciate the timely action of Congressman Vasquez to protect New Mexico’s livestock and support the continued viability of the safest food supply in the world.”

Vasquez’s leadership on this effort emphasizes his commitment to supporting New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers and producers–regardless of party lines. 

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