H.R.3038 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2025; SAFE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3038, the Safe American Food Exports Act of 2025 (SAFE Act), aims to amend the Animal Health Protection Act to improve the prevention of animal disease spread. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to negotiate agreements with countries importing U.S. livestock and animal products regarding regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization during animal disease outbreaks. This is intended to reduce the impact of such outbreaks on U.S. exports.
Expected Effects
The bill seeks to minimize trade disruptions caused by animal disease outbreaks. It authorizes specific agencies to negotiate agreements with foreign governments to maintain export markets. The Act does not limit the U.S. Trade Representative's ability to negotiate trade agreements.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced economic losses for U.S. agricultural producers due to export disruptions.
- Enhanced stability in international trade of livestock and animal products.
- Improved coordination between U.S. agencies and foreign governments on animal health issues.
- Potential for increased market access for U.S. agricultural products.
- Promotion of global research advances in animal disease management.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on agricultural producers to comply with international agreements.
- Risk of disagreements with trading partners during negotiations.
- Possible challenges in enforcing agreements with foreign governments.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on export markets and not addressing domestic animal health concerns comprehensively.
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the willingness of other countries to engage in negotiations and honor agreements.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. By aiming to facilitate and protect American food exports, the bill falls within the scope of this constitutional authority.
It also aligns with the general welfare clause, as promoting agricultural exports can contribute to the economic well-being of the nation. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).