H.R.2626 - Pigs In Gestation Stalls Act of 2025; PIGS Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2626, also known as the PIGS Act of 2025, aims to amend the Animal Welfare Act by prohibiting the confinement of pregnant pigs in gestation stalls that restrict their movement. The bill sets specific space requirements and outlines exceptions for transportation, veterinary care, pre-farrowing periods, and slaughter. It also includes provisions for financial assistance to pig producers to comply with the new regulations, prioritizing independent producers.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is a shift in pork production practices towards more humane treatment of breeding pigs. This may lead to increased costs for pork producers, potentially affecting pork prices for consumers. The bill could also stimulate innovation in animal housing and welfare practices within the agricultural sector.
Potential Benefits
- Improved animal welfare standards for breeding pigs.
- Alignment of pork production practices with consumer preferences for humanely raised products.
- Potential for increased market access to states with existing restrictions on gestation crates.
- Financial assistance for pig producers to transition to compliant housing systems.
- Reduced psychological and physical stress on breeding pigs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for pork producers, potentially leading to higher pork prices for consumers.
- Potential for smaller producers to be disproportionately affected by compliance costs.
- Possible disruptions in the pork supply chain during the transition period.
- Concerns about the effectiveness of the financial assistance program.
- Potential for legal challenges from industry groups opposed to the regulations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is primarily based on Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8). The bill does not appear to infringe upon individual liberties or rights explicitly protected by the Constitution. The financial assistance provisions could be viewed under the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), allowing Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States.
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).