H.R. 5954 — Beef Origin Labeling Accountability Act

This section directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to determine a means of reinstating mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef that complies with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. (As background, COOL requires retailers to inform consumers of a product's country of origin; prior mandatory COOL requirements for beef were repealed in 2015 following adverse WTO rulings in disputes DS384 with Canada and DS386 with Mexico.) It further requires the USTR to submit reports to the specified congressional committees (i.e., House Agriculture and Ways and Means Committees; Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Finance Committees)—not later than 180 days after enactment and every 180 days thereafter as appropriate—describing progress toward reinstatement and recommending any necessary implementing legislation, including on international engagements. Finally, it requires the USTR to seek consultations with the trade representatives of Canada and Mexico to resolve those WTO disputes.