Agricultural News
Cattle Industry Cheers COOL Repeal and More in Omnibus Spending Bill Approved by Congress
Fri, 18 Dec 2015 11:20:03 CST
With bipartisan support, Congress passed the $1.15 trillion Omnibus Appropriations Bill today, which funds much of the government through fiscal year 2016. National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Philip Ellis said the bill contained several victories for cattlemen and women.
Coming within days of facing retaliation from two of our largest trading partners, the bill repeals mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling for beef; a significant victory for America's cattle producers.
"COOL has plagued our industry for many years now, costing us millions and driving us to the brink of retaliation from two of our largest trading partners," said Ellis. "Cattle producers have had to bear the cost of this failed program for far too long, and we commend the leadership of Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway and Representative Jim Costa (D-Cali.) for ensuring the United States is brought back into compliance with our trade obligations."
The omnibus maintains Congressional oversight to ensure the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans remain within the scope of nutrition and health and are based on the latest nutritional evidence. Kristina Butts, senior executive director of government affairs, said the guidelines serve as the foundation for federal nutrition policy and that it is critical the recommendations are based on the latest science.
"Americans should enjoy a well-balanced diet with foods they enjoy," said Butts. "Beef is an excellent source of several key nutrients like zinc, iron and protein, and numerous studies have shown positive benefits of lean beef in the diet. We're pleased Congress continues to be engaged in the process. It is important the role of the Dietary Guidelines continues as Congress intended to provide nutrition advice based on sound science."
Additionally, Ellis said the bill requires a more stringent regulatory process for allowing beef imports from regions with a history of animal disease outbreaks.
"America's cattle producers are strong supporters of trade," said Ellis, "but we must have strong safeguards in place and do our due-diligence to ensure the health and well-being of our domestic herd is not sacrificed."
Continued assurance on several environmental regulations is also maintained in the bill. Specifically, the bill keeps the overzealous Environmental Protection Agency in check by continuing to prohibit the agency from requiring livestock producers to obtain Clean Air Act permits or report greenhouse gas emissions on livestock operations. Unfortunately, EPA's "Waters of the United States" rule is not addressed in the omnibus. However, the nation-wide stay is still in place currently, and NCBA will continue to push back on the rule through the courts.
Also key for cattlemen and women is passage of tax extenders legislation, passed in the House on Thursday and the Senate today. Section 179 is permanently extended at $500,000, up from $25,000 previously. Bonus depreciation is set at 50 percent for property acquired during 2015, 2016 and 2017 and phases down, with 40 percent in 2018, and 30 percent in 2019. Additionally, the conservation easement tax credit is made permanent.
"These provisions are vital to providing a stable environment for farmers and ranchers like myself to plan for the future," said Ellis, a Wyoming rancher. "We have had to rely heavily on last-minute tax extender legislation over the past several years, but making these provisions permanent will allow businesses to invest in equipment and property with the financial certainty required."
The comprehensive bill passed by both the House and Senate is positive news for the cattle industry. NCBA urges President Obama to sign the omnibus bill without delay.
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