H.R.1116 - Right to Eat Authentic and Legitimate Meat Act of 2025; REAL Meat Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1116, also known as the REAL Meat Act of 2025, aims to prohibit the use of federal funds to support cell-cultured meat production. The bill defines cell-cultured meat as meat sourced from animal cells and artificially produced in a laboratory. It includes a NASA exemption for cell-cultured meat intended for off-planet consumption.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would restrict federal funding for research, development, and promotion of cell-cultured meat. This could slow down the advancement of cell-cultured meat technology within the United States, except for specific NASA-related applications.
Potential Benefits
- May protect traditional meat producers from competition by cell-cultured meat.
- Could reassure consumers concerned about the safety or ethics of cell-cultured meat.
- Might preserve the market for traditional agriculture.
- Could prevent potential misuse of federal funds on a novel technology.
- Could address concerns about the environmental impact of cell-cultured meat production.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could stifle innovation in food technology and alternative protein sources.
- May limit potential solutions to food security challenges.
- Could put the U.S. at a disadvantage in the global market for cell-cultured meat.
- May hinder research into potential health benefits of cell-cultured meat.
- Could limit options for consumers seeking sustainable or ethical meat alternatives.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to be within the powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare and regulate commerce. The allocation of federal funds is generally within the purview of Congress. However, the specific impact on interstate commerce and potential discrimination requires further analysis. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).