Sponsors (4)
The bill increases the ability of U.S. livestock producers to keep export markets open through pre-negotiated, science-informed limits on export bans during localized outbreaks, but it risks negotiation failures, added public or industry costs, and potential tension between trade priorities and domestic disease control.
U.S. livestock producers and exporters will face fewer trade disruptions because USDA and trade officials can secure agreements that limit export bans during localized animal disease outbreaks.
Farmers and related businesses will have more stable export revenues and job protection because negotiations will focus on preserving access to key export markets.
Farmers and rural communities will benefit from science-based trade rules because negotiations are directed to consider accepted global research advances, enabling exports from disease-free zones.
Farmers and exporters could still lose market access if foreign authorities reject U.S. science-based approaches and negotiations fail, leaving restrictions in place despite U.S. efforts.
State and local governments and public biosecurity could face increased risk if advance negotiation emphasis on export markets sometimes prioritizes trade interests over domestic disease control.
Taxpayers and small businesses may bear higher costs because negotiating and implementing these agreements could increase USDA administrative expenses that are passed on to taxpayers or industry.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Gives USDA and related officials authority to pre-negotiate regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization agreements with foreign governments to limit export disruption during animal disease outbreaks.
Introduced April 28, 2025 by Randy Feenstra · Last progress April 28, 2025
Authorizes USDA officials (APHIS, FSIS, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs) in consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate in advance with foreign governments on regionalization, zoning, compartmentalization, and similar arrangements to limit trade disruptions from known animal disease outbreaks. It directs negotiators to cover key export markets where practicable and to consider accepted global research, and clarifies that this authorization does not restrict the U.S. Trade Representative’s broader negotiation authority or force inclusion of these provisions in other trade agreements.