Zinke wants to Make Montana COOL Again, Backs Country of Origin Labeling
“America First means American Beef First”
Washington, D.C. - Today, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke announced his co-sponsorship of Congresswoman Hageman’s (WY) “H.R. 5818 Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2025” (COOL Enforcement Act). The legislation would amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to clarify that beef marketed as “Product of the USA” must be both raised and processed in the United States, not simply packaged or minimally processed in the U.S. after importation.
“America first means American beef first, and to me that means Montana beef first,” Zinke said. “Americans are becoming more aware of where their food is grown, raised, and produced, and Montana has a great reputation for quality and healthy food. Shoppers should be 100% confident at the point of purchase that what they are getting is what they meant to buy. This legislation ensures transparency at the meat counter and defends the integrity of Montana and U.S. ranching. If it’s marketed as American beef, it should be born, raised, and processed here at home.”
The COOL Enforcement Act arrives at a critical moment as American beef producers face competition from imported beef that may not meet the same production, processing, or oversight standards. Congressman Zinke’s backing of this legislation continues his track record of strong support of Montana’s ranching community.
Read the full text of the legislation here.
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