H.R.1380 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1380, the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act, aims to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. It establishes an Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within the Department of Agriculture. The goal is to enhance enforcement against anti-competitive practices in the meat and poultry industries.
Expected Effects
The Act would create a specialized office to investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act. This could lead to increased scrutiny of meat and poultry companies. It may also foster greater competition and fairer practices within the sector.
Potential Benefits
- Increased oversight of the meat and poultry industries.
- Potential for fairer pricing and reduced anti-competitive behavior.
- Improved coordination between the Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, and Federal Trade Commission.
- Enhanced national security in the food and agricultural sector through consultation with the Department of Homeland Security.
- Greater protection for farmers and ranchers against unfair practices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on meat and poultry businesses.
- Possible duplication of efforts with existing agencies.
- Risk of overreach by the Special Investigator's office.
- Uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the new office.
- Potential for political influence on investigations.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. The regulation of the meat and poultry industries falls under this power. The establishment of an office within the Department of Agriculture is an exercise of executive power, which is generally delegated by Congress.
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).