Scanlon Introduces Bill to Lower Costs of Meat and Poultry and Target Corporate Greed

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) last week introduced the Packers and Stockyards Improvements Act, legislation to address rising meat and poultry prices due to corporate mergers and takeovers. The bill would improve the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) enforcement tools under the Packers and Stockyards Act and prohibit anti-competitive behavior in the meat and poultry industry. 

“As mergers and corporate takeovers have consolidated power in the meat and poultry industry, consumers and producers have paid the price. The Packers and Stockyards Act has been crucial for enforcing compliance, but lacks sufficient tools to protect Americans from paying outrageous costs,” said Rep. Scanlon. “The Trump administration’s deregulation of the industry will only help his corporate buddies to maximize profits while continuing to hurt ranchers, farmers, and American families. I’m proud to introduce the Packers and Stockyards Improvements Act to lower costs for consumers and strengthen protections for our ranchers and farmers.”