COOL Meeting with Whitehouse OMB

On Thursday, December 18th, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Farmers Union, and the consumer groups met with the Whitehouse Office of Management and Budget (OMB). As you may already know, the final COOL regulation is under review by OMB. USCA has received reports that this rule will be finalized and posted tomorrow night (Christmas Eve). Given that information, during our meeting we asked USDA to delay posting the final rule until the conclusion of the six-month evaluation period. There are still several lingering questions regarding packer and retailer compliance with COOL, and our group felt it was important to iron out these kinks before the rule is finalized. We delivered the September 26th COOL clarification letter that was signed by 32 Senators. This letter outlined several of the COOL issues that still need to be addressed.

Also during this meeting, USCA stated it support for the current COOL verification process and urged OMB to continue the use of allowing import markings, health papers, and affidavits.

So tune in tomorrow night if you can pull yourself away from the Christmas tree and family! Check out the USDA website regarding the status of the COOL rule, and rest assured knowing that the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association will be monitoring it!

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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 Pounding the streets of DC By: Jess Peterson

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