美国共和党议员急了：买阿根廷牛肉会害了美国养牛人，还危及中部票仓

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration's plan to increase beef imports from Argentina has sparked internal conflict among Republican lawmakers, particularly those from agricultural states who fear it may harm the U.S. beef industry and trade negotiations [1][5][9]. Group 1: Concerns from Republican Lawmakers - Fourteen Republican House members expressed concerns in a letter to the Agriculture Secretary and Trade Representative, urging that any adjustments to beef import quotas should ensure equivalent market access for U.S. beef [1][2]. - Lawmakers from Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, states heavily reliant on the beef industry, worry that increased imports could weaken the U.S. beef sector and reintroduce animal health risks [1][5]. - The National Cattlemen's Beef Association criticized the proposal, highlighting a significant trade imbalance where Argentina exported $801 million worth of beef to the U.S. while importing only $7 million from the U.S. over the past five years [1][5]. Group 2: Economic Context and Price Concerns - U.S. beef prices have reached historical highs due to a declining cattle population and stable consumer demand, prompting the administration to consider imports to alleviate costs [2][4]. - The Trump administration confirmed plans to quadruple the beef import quota from Argentina while accelerating regulatory reforms to increase domestic processing capacity [5][6]. Group 3: Political Implications - The discontent among farmers and ranchers could lead to intensified competition in key electoral districts, potentially affecting Republican funding and support in upcoming elections [8]. - Republican Senator John Thune expressed that the administration's approach creates market uncertainty, indicating a growing concern within the party regarding the political ramifications of the beef import policy [9].