Shomari Figures

U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, today introduced the Protecting American Beef Producers Act, a bill that would reverse President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation that allows for 300,000 metric tons of beef to be imported into the country and sold below market rate.

“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,” Figures wrote in a news release.

“The President’s beef order is yet another move that takes direct aim at the well-being of our agricultural community.”

According to the release, Figures’ legislation would nullify Trump’s proclamation, ensure that any beef or beef product imported into the U.S. shall, without exception, be subject to the full amount of all applicable tariffs, taxes, and fees, and prohibit the president or any other official from waiving, suspending, or otherwise reducing any such tariff, duty, or fee on beef or beef product imports unless Congress expressly enacts a law or declares a state of emergency pertaining to American domestic beef supply capabilities.

“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,” Figures wrote.

The legislation follows Figures’ demand for a House Committee on Agriculture hearing to examine the potential consequences of the President’s proclamation for American cattle producers, the domestic cattle herd, and the long-term stability of the nation’s beef supply chain.

In a surprise announcement on 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.