The National Pork Producers Council applauded the United States House passing a bill that authorizes funding to help prevent African Swine Fever and other foreign animal diseases.
The senate passed an identical version of the bill in October of 2019. The legislation gives funding for 740 new agricultural inspectors at land, air and sea ports. It also authorizes 600 new agricultural technicians and 60 new agricultural canine teams.
“For more than a year, NPPC has advocated for more agricultural inspectors at our borders,” NPPC President David Herring said. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection have done much to mitigate risk to animal disease, but we must remain vigilant. Today’s vote represents a tremendous victory for our farmers, consumers and the American economy. We thank Congressional leadership, led by Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Texas) and Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), for their strong leadership on this issue and look forward to the bill’s implementation.”
Getting this bill passed and implemented is a major focus of the NPPC as any foreign animal disease would immediately close U.S. pork export markets.