Figures proposes bill to undo Trump beef import plan
The Alabama Democrat joined cattle groups and other critics who warned tariff-free imports would undercut farmers already squeezed by trade fights.
U.S. Representative Shomari Figures, D-Alabama, announced Thursday that he plans to introduce legislation to reverse the Trump administration’s plan to temporarily expand the amount of imported lean beef trimmings eligible for lower, in-quota tariff rates by up to 300,000 metric tons over 90 days.
The move comes amid criticism from Democratic and Republican lawmakers who have warned that the policy could threaten American farmers and the domestic cattle industry.
“President Trump’s proclamation is a slap in the face to the hardworking cattle farmers we have across this nation and here in Alabama,” Figures said. “Farmers are already being hammered by Trump’s war in Iran and the retaliatory tariffs he caused, and this reckless decision will make things even worse.”
“Trump’s decision to bring in foreign beef significantly under market value doesn’t put American farmers first and shows an appalling lack of care and an alarming disconnect with what farmers are experiencing due to his policies,” Figures continued. “That is why I plan to introduce legislation to reverse this plan and protect our farmers from future harm. I encourage all of my Republican colleagues, especially in the Alabama delegation, to join me in this effort to push back against Trump’s decision and stand up for our farmers.”
Figures’ staff told APR that they plan to share more details about the proposed legislation in the near future.
Figures previously introduced the Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026 in July. The bill would temporarily authorize up to $15 billion in relief for family farms experiencing financial hardship as a result of the Trump administration’s tariff policies. The legislation is awaiting consideration by the House Committee on Agriculture.
Several other prominent Alabama Democrats have also spoken out against Trump’s beef import plan, including gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones and agriculture commissioner nominee Ron Sparks. Jones and Sparks both warned that the move could cause further financial harm to Alabama farmers already struggling with high costs.
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association has also condemned the Trump administration’s policy, calling it a “slap in the face for cattlemen everywhere, especially the more than 10,000 members in our organization.”
The Trump administration has defended the plan as an effort to lower beef prices for American consumers. The August 26 proclamation increases the amount of lean beef trimmings eligible for the lower, in-quota tariff rate by 300,000 metric tons, divided into three 100,000-metric-ton allotments beginning September 1.
