Senators Want BSE Rule Issued

Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Ben Nelson of Nebraska are leading a bipartisan group of 31 senators pressing the administration to issue a comprehensive BSE rule. The rule has been in the works for several years, but is currently stalled within the Office of Management and Budget. The Senators believe, – operating without a comprehensive rule has put our trade negotiators in a tough spot.

Senator Nelson says – overseas markets are more important than ever for America’s beef producers. Adopting a comprehensive BSE rule will help them by giving our trade negotiators a stronger hand in advocating for U.S. beef. According to Senator Grassley, we are urging our trading partners to abide by scientific standards, yet we have failed to lead by example by adopting a comprehensive rule.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Associate Director of Legislative Affairs Kent Bacus says having a comprehensive BSE rule – will solidify the United States’ commitment to basing our trade relationships on internationally-recognized, science-based standards. In addition, having this rule – will give trade negotiators from the United States a stronger position to press other nations to follow OIE standards.