The primary topic we’re discussing at the hearing is the execution of an animal identification program, which will allow animals who carry contagious diseases to be quickly tracked, traced and quarantined.  

I recently signed on as a leading co-sponsor of legislation that would establish an electronic national identification system. This tracking system would require all livestock, from birth to slaughter, to be identified, and would ensure these infected animals are identified within 48 hours of disease outbreaks.

Implementing an Animal Identification system is critical to ensuring that America’s food supply is safe and reliable, and that consumer confidence in the beef industry is maintained. However, as we develop this system, we must make sure it properly addresses particular cost and privacy concerns. Additionally, the burden of this tracking system must not be laid upon cattle producers alone, but must be affordable to all cattle producers, both large and small. As Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture, I am well-positioned to make sure these concerns are properly addressed. 

I urge all cattlemen, producers, and constituents who have comments or concerns regarding the animal identification system to contact me at mike.ross@mail.house.gov. 

In Congress, we occasionally leave Capitol Hill and take our meetings straight to the people, just as we are doing in Houston this week.  I believe this is important, in that it helps Members of Congress gain perspective by hearing the ideas and concerns of the people who are directly impacted by the decisions we make.