(NAFB) – Late last week, Texas Republican Representative August Pfluger introduced the bipartisan RAPID Act. “RAPID” stands for Reimbursing Agriculture Producers for Immigration Damages.

Other members of the Texas Congressional delegation signed on to the bill to help create a reimbursement program for producers that incur losses caused by illegal border crossings. Under the bill, producers could be reimbursed for livestock losses, damage to fences or physical structures, or property losses, all of which currently occur at the border due to those crossing the border illegally. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is grateful to the lawmakers who are supporting policies that protect cattle farmers and ranchers that are simply trying to raise not only their livestock but their families on the land.

“Texas ranchers are facing significant hardships amid a flood of illegal border crossings and must continually fix cut fences and damaged infrastructure,” says Hughes Abell, president of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

“As stewards of large sections of the Southern Border, ranchers suffer a disproportionate share of the burden associated with illegal border crossings,” says Ethan Lane, NCBA VP of Government Affairs. “Not only do the crossings damage property and livestock, but they also endanger ranchers and their families.”