"I am grateful Secretary Veneman agreed to a public hearing Wednesday to allow Members of Congress to discuss the actions taken by the Department of Agriculture after the recent discovery of BSE," said Ross, who is also the ranking member of the Agriculture Committee’s Livestock and Horticulture subcommittee. "The Department of Agriculture's response to the mad cow finding was efficient and effective, and their rapid response helped secure America's confidence in the beef industry." 

During the hearing, Ross and his colleagues shared their concerns regarding USDA's recent regulatory changes regarding "downer" animals. A "downer" or "non-ambulatory" animal is defined as livestock that cannot rise from a recumbent position or that cannot walk, including, but not limited to, those with broken appendages, severed tendons or ligaments, nerve paralysis, fractured vertebral column, or metabolic conditions. 
 
"After the recent discovery of a cow infected with mad cow disease, the USDA took swift action and heightened the policies toward handling downer animals," said Ross. "But for the long-term, the USDA's current definition of a "downed" cow is too restrictive, and will hurt our small farm families.  If a healthy cow breaks its leg, under current regulations enacted immediately after the recent discovery of BSE, that cow is labeled as a downed animal and does not enter the food supply. To smaller producers, this can be the difference between a profit and a loss for the year.

"It is important that we address this issue in a common sense way that protects consumers and maintains their confidence that the beef they consume is safe, while also protecting our cattlemen from unnecessary loss."

Ross also stressed during the hearing that Congress and the USDA must work together to encourage export markets to re-open to U.S. beef products. 

"So far over 50 of our trading partners have blocked some or all of U.S. beef products, which has caused beef prices to fall," Ross said.  "Congress and the USDA must focus on rebuilding confidence with our trading partners, and reassure them that America's beef is safe."   

During the hearing, Ross also joined his colleague Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), in calling for the USDA to re-examine the National Farm Animal Identification and Records (FAIR) program. The FAIR program is a pilot animal identification system designed to support the health of the U.S. animal agriculture.  

"I believe a national identification program can help USDA quickly identify cattle across the country that have come into contact with an infected animal," said Ross. "Utilizing today's technology can ensure a more timely response, which will further protect consumers while at the same time, prevent our cattle producers from suffering unnecessary economic harm from a single-diseased cow. The cost to implement any identification program must be affordable for all cattle producers large and small, and must contain strict privacy provisions."