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Shomari Figures filing bill to stop Trump’s controversial beef tariff plan
U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, announced today that he will be introducing legislation to reverse President Trump’s plan to suspend tariffs on the import of foreign beef.
“President Trump’s proclamation is a slap in the face to the hardworking cattle farmers we have across this nation and here in Alabama,” Figures wrote in a news release.
“Farmers are already being hammered by Trump’s war in Iran and the retaliatory tariffs he caused, and this reckless decision will make things even worse.”
In a surprise announcement Aug. 21, Trump posted to Truth Social that for the next 90 days, the United States will allow 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported into the country, by companies that have committed to selling them below current market prices.
The president did not say which countries he had reached a deal with on the suspended tariffs or which companies had committed to lower prices.
Figures responded to the announcement in a post to X later that day, urging the administration to “reverse this reckless decision IMMEDIATELY.”
Several members of the GOP, including Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, and key cattle and farm groups have come forward following the announcement to oppose the decision, saying it would hurt American farmers.
“Trump’s decision to bring in foreign beef significantly under market value doesn’t put American farmers first and shows an appalling lack of care and an alarming disconnect with what farmers are experiencing due to his policies,” Figures wrote in the release.
“That is why I plan to introduce legislation to reverse this plan and protect our farmers from future harm. I encourage all of my Republican colleagues, especially in the Alabama delegation, to join me in this effort to push back against Trump’s decision and stand up for our farmers.”
Figures wrote that he has met with numerous farmers who consistently warned about the dire circumstances they face due to rising costs, market instability and lower profits.
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Chief Executive Officer Erin Beasley wrote in a statement Aug. 21 that Trump’s announcement was “extremely disappointing” and said it will have immediate market consequences.