Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Everett Wess is among the latest Alabama political figures to criticize President Donald Trump over his plan to import 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef into the United States.
In a recent blog post, Wess described the president’s order as a threat to Alabama’s cattle industry.
“Alabama’s farmers and cattle producers deserve federal policies that recognize the importance of agriculture to our state’s economy and communities,” Wess said, citing concerns raised by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, which has strongly opposed the policy.
“[Alabama Cattlemen’s Association] CEO, Erin Beasley, said the announcement had already affected the live-cattle market and could affect the bottom line for Alabama cattlemen. The association has also warned that increased imports could discourage producers from investing in their herds,” he continued. “These concerns deserve to be heard.”
Wess also expressed support for legislation recently introduced by U.S. Representative Shomari Figures, D-Alabama, that would nullify the presidential proclamation and require importers to pay all applicable tariffs, taxes and fees on beef and beef products. Figures’ bill would also prohibit the president and other officials from waiving, suspending or reducing tariffs, duties or fees on beef imports without congressional authorization.
“Alabama agriculture is not simply an industry. It supports families, businesses, jobs, and communities across our state,” Wess wrote.
Figures’ bill is before the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Agriculture Committee.
Wess also argued that similar scrutiny should be applied to the Trump administration’s broader trade and tariff policies, which have faced criticism for increasing costs for domestic producers and consumers and creating economic and legal uncertainty.
“The debate over tariffs and agricultural trade should also recognize the broader concerns raised by Alabama farmers over the administration’s previous tariff policies affecting commodities such as cotton, peanuts, soybeans, and other agricultural products,” Wess said. “As a candidate for the United States Senate, I believe these issues should be addressed through the constitutional separation of powers and through meaningful consultation with the farmers and producers who live with the consequences of federal policy.”
“My position is straightforward: Alabama farmers and cattlemen should have a voice in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods,” he added. “Congress has an important constitutional role in establishing the nation’s taxing and tariff policies, and senators have a responsibility to exercise that role carefully.”
Wess said the goal of federal agricultural and trade policy should be to keep food affordable while allowing American farmers to make a sustainable living.
“Our farmers should not have to choose between feeding their neighbors and keeping their farms in operation,” Wess said. “Alabama agriculture deserves thoughtful policymaking, congressional oversight, and a seat at the table whenever Washington makes decisions that affect the future of our farms and rural communities.”
Wess also criticized his Republican opponent in the U.S. Senate race, U.S. Representative Barry Moore, R-Alabama.
“My Republican opponent has remained silent on these concerns while pledging loyalty to Donald Trump for the remainder of his presidency,” Wess said. “My loyalty will be to Alabama’s farmers, cattlemen, families, and communities.”
Wess, Moore and independent candidate Craig Jelks are set to face off in the general election Tuesday, November 3.
