The Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2009 would prevent the import of products from Argentina until the U.S. Department of Agriculture can certify that the country is free of the disease.
Tom Buis, president of the National Farmers Union says his group backs the bill and that it is necessary to avoid the spread of the disease in the U.S.
"The legislation is needed to ensure this dangerous disease is not introduced in the United States and that Argentina regions are not an exception to the rule," Buis told the Grand Island Independent.
According to South Dakota senator Tim Johnson, the bill is supported by a number of industry organizations including the U.S. Cattlemen's Association, the American Sheep Industry Assocation and R-CALF.
Johnson says the bill has been introduced to keep pressure on the USDA.
Last year a similar bill was introduced to Congress banning Argentinean imports.
