A bill to delay the implementation of a rule relating to the importation of sheep and goats and products derived from sheep and goats, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
- Committees
- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 4, 2025
Bottom line
This bill imposes a temporary moratorium on a proposed import rule for sheep and goats to allow for a detailed study of its potential consequences on the U.S. agricultural sector and animal health.
What it actually does
This bill delays the implementation of a proposed rule concerning the importation of sheep, goats, and their derived products for at least one year. During this delay, it mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on the rule's potential costs and benefits, including its economic, health, and market impacts on the United States. The Secretary is required to submit a report detailing the study's findings and recommendations to Congress.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that delaying the rule is crucial to prevent unforeseen negative impacts on the domestic sheep and goat industries, especially given the potential for increased imports, market disruption, and disease risks. They contend that a thorough study is necessary to understand the full economic and health implications, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on market conditions, before proceeding with implementation.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that delaying the rule unnecessarily hinders trade, potentially limiting consumer choice and access to a wider variety of sheep and goat products. They might also contend that existing regulatory processes are sufficient to address concerns and that further delays create uncertainty for importers and could be perceived as protectionist, potentially inviting retaliatory measures from trading partners.
The bill is very concise and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for detailed consideration of its implications.
Section 1(a)
Delay of Rule Implementation
This section prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture and any other Federal official from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing the proposed rule entitled 'Importation of Sheep, Goats, and Certain Other Ruminants' (81 Fed. Reg. 46619), which was dated July 18, 2016. This prohibition remains in effect from the date of the bill's enactment until one year after the Secretary submits a mandated report to Congress.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this delay is essential to prevent premature implementation of a rule that could have significant, unstudied negative consequences for domestic agricultural markets and animal health. It provides a necessary pause to gather critical data.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this delay creates uncertainty for international trade partners and could be seen as an unnecessary barrier to market access, potentially impacting trade relations and consumer choice.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for immediate regulatory action (from those who support the rule) against the need for thorough impact assessment and protection of domestic industries (from those concerned about the rule).
Section 1(b)
Study and Report on Rule Impacts
This section requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential costs and benefits of the proposed import rule. The study must assess various factors, including estimated increases in imported meat and live animals, demand projections, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on market data, effects on domestic supply, prices, producers, export opportunities, competitiveness, consumer confidence, and animal health, including disease outbreaks. A report detailing the study's findings and recommendations for mitigating negative effects must be submitted to specific Congressional committees within one year of the bill's enactment.