Springfield Standard

Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) and Rep. Josh Brecheen (OK-02) introduced the Stop Government Overreach in Ranching Act which would repeal the Federal Drug Administration’s guidance for industry (GFI) #263 and prevent the FDA from issuing a similar guidance or rule.

According to GFI #263, ranchers will have to obtain a prescription for certain antibiotics for livestock, even if those antibiotics were previously available over the counter.

Rep. Eric Burlison said, “Ranchers work hard to take care of their livestock. Yet, Washington bureaucrats continue to add guidances and regulations that make caring for their livestock increasingly more difficult. The Stop Government Overreach in Ranching Act will repeal the FDA’s burdensome guidance and give back to ranchers the ability to make their own decisions about their livestock. It’s time Washington start trusting our ranchers and farmers, and this bill is a strong step in the right direction.”

Rep. Josh Brecheen said, “This FDA guidance by unelected bureaucrats only adds expense and hardship upon those of us involved in production agriculture. If you have a calf that develops pneumonia or scours, you ought to be able to address it in keeping with 80 years of proven livestock antibiotic use, without having to get a permission slip thanks to a suit-laden bureaucrat in a cubicle. What happens if I discover a sick animal and it is not possible to obtain a script from a vet due to the distance, availability of the vet, and the clinics typical closing time? Before this guidance, I could have gone to the local feed store five minutes down the road. This guidance will steal valuable time in treating sick animals and reduce inexpensive options. It will result in vets being forced to charge for their time, overloaded with requests from frustrated neighbors, and more costs for scripts and antibiotics—all the while, knowledgeable ranchers and farmers will keep buying the same antibiotics they always have for decades. The only winner here will be the feel-good bureaucracy appeasing leftist World Health Organization grand ideals.”

Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins said, “Missouri Farm Bureau is pleased to see this bill introduced by Congressman Burlison. Farmers and ranchers know the importance of proper animal care, and this directive could make it more difficult to quickly treat some of the most common livestock illnesses. Farmers care about the well-being of their animals and value the strong relationship they have with their veterinarians, but this directive could waste precious time and hinder our ability to quickly and efficiently care for our livestock. We thank Congressman Burlison for his work on this issue and look forward to the continued discussion on this matter.” Read the bill text here

Original source can be found here