A bipartisan bill has been introduced to address the shortage of agricultural inspectors at the U.S. border. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Pat Roberts (R-KS), John Cornyn (R-TX) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced the Protecting America’s Food and Agriculture Act of 2019 to ensure the safety of agricultural trade at the border by hiring more inspectors.
“Agricultural inspectors are responsible for ensuring these goods move efficiently across our borders while safeguarding against harmful pests, diseases and even potential bioterrorism attacks,” said Sen. Peters.
“Devastating diseases and pests are just one plane or boat ride away from causing havoc for American agriculture,” said Sen. Roberts.
“This bipartisan legislation helps to ensure that our borders are properly staffed and resourced to protect U.S. agriculture, the backbone of our national economy.”
The bill authorizes the annual hiring of 240 inspectors and 200 agricultural technicians until the shortage is filled, as well as the training and assignment of 20 new canine teams.
