The Alabama Democrat said Trump’s tariff-free import plan threatened cattle producers already squeezed by rising equipment and fertilizer costs.
By Wesley Walter
U.S. Representative Shomari Figures, D-Alabama, introduced legislation that would reverse a presidential proclamation temporarily allowing more beef imports into the United States.
President Donald Trump issued the proclamation, “Further Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer,” on August 26. It permits 300,000 metric tons of beef imports over 90 days without triggering higher tariffs.
Before issuing the proclamation, Trump said on social media that he had committed to ensuring the imported beef would sell for 25 percent less than current market rates.
Figures’ Protecting American Beef Producers Act would nullify the proclamation and require importers to pay all applicable tariffs, taxes, and fees on beef and beef products.
The bill also would prohibit the president and other officials from waiving, suspending, or reducing tariffs, duties, or fees on beef imports unless Congress passes a law authorizing the action or declares an emergency involving the domestic beef supply.
Figures said in a written statement that the proclamation would put more pressure on domestic beef producers already facing higher equipment and fertilizer prices because of Trump administration tariffs.
“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 said.
“The President’s beef order is yet another move that takes direct aim at the well-being of our agricultural community,” Figures said. “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 also sent a letter recently urging the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture to hold a hearing on the proclamation’s potential effects on American cattle producers.
The United States Cattlemen’s Association and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association have condemned the plan. The Alabama association called it “extremely disappointing.”
“This decision has consequences for our industry, starting with the immediate reactions we have seen today in the live cattle market,” Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Chief Executive Officer Erin Beasley said. “Since the announcement, the market has taken a sharp decline, which affects the bottom line for cattlemen in Alabama.
“It’s no secret that August is a heavy marketing month for Alabama feeder calves, and volatility in the market greatly impacts the bottom line for our producers. Flooding the market with subsidized foreign beef only discourages cattlemen from making investments in their operations, ultimately slowing down herd rebuilding.”
Republican federal lawmakers also have criticized the proclamation. U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, said she had “deep concerns” about the policy.
Figures also introduced the Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026, which would authorize up to $15 billion in relief for small and midsize family farms.