Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act
Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary: Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act **What It Does** This bill would create a new government office called the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This office would have the power to investigate and take legal action against companies that violate rules governing the meat and poultry industry under a law called the Packers and Stockyards Act. The office would be staffed with lawyers and specialists and could use tools like subpoenas to gather evidence and enforce fair competition rules. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily targets meat and poultry companies, processors, and distributors.
It could also affect ranchers and farmers who sell livestock to these companies. The office would coordinate with federal agencies including the Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Department of Homeland Security, so it affects federal enforcement efforts in agriculture as well. **Key Provision & Status** The bill's main goal is to crack down on anti-competitive practices in the meat industry. The new office would serve as a dedicated watchdog to ensure fair dealing and prevent companies from unfairly dominating the market. As of now, the bill is in committee and has not been voted on by Congress, meaning it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Meat and Poultry Special Investigator ActThis bill establishes the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within the Agricultural Marketing Service's Packers and Stockyards Division. Specifically, the office must use all available tools (e.g., subpoenas) to investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (P&S Act). Further, the bill grants the office the authority to bring any civil or administrative action authorized by that act.Additionally, the office mustserve as a liaison to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission with respect to competition and trade practices in the food and agricultural sector,consult with the Department of Homeland Security on national security and critical infrastructure security in the food and agricultural sector, andmaintain a staff of attorneys and other professionals with appropriate expertise.As background, the purposes of the P&S Act are to assure fair competition and trade practices, safeguard farmers and ranchers, protect consumers, and protect livestock, meat, and poultry industry members from unfair, deceptive, unjustly discriminatory, and monopolistic practices. Those engaged in the business of marketing livestock, meat, and poultry in commerce are subject to the P&S Act.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.