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“The resurgence of this invasive pest, which the U.S. successfully eradicated in the 1960s, could devastate South Texas ranchers, wildlife, and our communities as a whole,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “With inflation already on the rise from the Administration’s policies and war in Iran, the last thing Texans need is a potential $1.8 billion hit to our cattle industry and statewide economy. Just as I warned, the arrival of the New World Screwworm has crossed the border. The Administration didn’t act fast enough. Instead, they cut funding for early detection and prevention and prioritized billions in taxpayer money to support lowering the cost of beef from Argentina—not America. While the recent opening of a new sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas is welcomed, it will not be operational until next fall. Now, USDA is playing catch-up to protect the livelihoods of our ranchers and prevent harmful effects to our food supply.”