Ala. congressman introduces bill to reverse Trump beef import order

U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Ala., has introduced legislation that would reverse President Donald Trump’s recent order temporarily expanding the amount of imported beef eligible for lower tariff rates, arguing that the policy could hurt American cattle producers. Figures introduced the Protecting American Beef Producers Act on Sept. 2. The legislation would nullify Presidential Proclamation 11059, issued Aug. 26, and limit the president’s ability to waive, suspend or reduce tariffs and other fees on imported beef without congressional action. Trump’s proclamation temporarily increased the tariff-rate quota for certain imported lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons for the remainder of 2026. The additional quota is divided into three 100,000-metric-ton tranches beginning Sept. 1, Oct. 1, and Oct. 31. The White House said the move is intended to increase the supply of ground beef and provide consumers relief from elevated beef prices as the domestic cattle herd remains historically small. The administration said the additional imports apply specifically to lean beef trimmings used in ground beef production and are intended to be sold at a discount compared with current market prices. Figures, however, contends that increasing lower-tariff beef imports could put additional pressure on U.S. cattle producers. “Alabama farmers are already struggling to make ends meet thanks to skyrocketing input costs caused by the President’s war with Iran and retaliatory tariffs stemming from his reckless trade policies,” said Congressman Figures. “The President’s beef order is yet another move that takes direct aim at the well-being of our agricultural community. I’ll always stand up for our farmers, and that is why I’m proud to introduce this bill to undo the President’s proclamation and prohibit the President or any official from taking this action without congressional approval.” Under the Protecting American Beef Producers Act, Proclamation 11059 would have no force or effect, and federal funds could not be used to carry it out. The bill would also require imported beef and beef products to remain subject to applicable tariffs, duties and fees. It would prohibit the president or another federal official from waiving, suspending or reducing those charges unless Congress passes legislation authorizing the change or declares an emergency involving the domestic beef supply. The legislation follows Figures’ Aug. 31 request for an emergency House Agriculture Committee hearing on the administration’s beef policy and its potential effects on cattle producers and the domestic beef supply chain. The White House has defended the temporary quota expansion as a response to tight cattle supplies and strong beef demand. In its proclamation, the administration cited the U.S. cattle herd being at its lowest level in 75 years, drought and wildfire conditions, and restrictions on Mexican cattle imports related to New World screwworm among factors affecting domestic supplies. The administration projects U.S. beef production will decline about 4 percent from 2025 levels and said it will monitor whether beef entering under the expanded quota is sold at the intended discount. The proclamation allows the administration to end the remaining quota increase if those imports are not being sold at the targeted price.