WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (Conn.-3), House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee ranking member, today expressed her support for a resolution that would close the Canadian border to cattle. The resolution seeks to overturn the Bush Administration's decision to allow Canadian cattle into the U.S. nearly two years after it was banned because of a U.S. case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy or “mad cow” disease that was traced back to a Canadian cow. A similar resolution passed the Senate Thursday.

“While we sympathize with the Canadian ranchers who will be impacted by this decision, this resolution is a necessary safeguard for the U.S. food supply,” said DeLauro. “Many questions exist about Canada’s efforts to prevent “mad cow” outbreaks – including the use of cattle feed containing animal protein. The U.S. government must temporarily end Canadian beef imports until a stronger review process is in place.”

In January, Agriculture officials announced a plan that would have reopened the border Monday to Canadian cattle younger than 30 months of age. USDA upheld this decision despite two additional cases of “mad cow” discovered in Canadian cattle this year.

The Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America brought suit to keep the ban in place. On Wednesday, a federal judge granted a temporary injunction, siding with the cattlemen. USDA has not announced whether it will appeal this injunction.