Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act," seeks to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921. It proposes the creation of the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within the Department of Agriculture. This new office would be led by a Special Investigator appointed by the Secretary. The Special Investigator is tasked with investigating and prosecuting violations of the Act using tools like subpoenas. Additionally, the role involves acting as a liaison with the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +5
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill strengthens enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect producers from unfair trade practices.
- Scored +5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The establishment of a Special Investigator to prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act enhances competition and consumer protections in the food sector.
- Scored +3
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
Increased oversight of the food and agricultural sector helps protect the interests of rural agricultural producers.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Enforcement Powers: The Special Investigator can use tools such as subpoenas to investigate and prosecute violations of the Act, which could help ensure laws are followed (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Increased Inter-Agency Cooperation: The Office will serve as a liaison to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission regarding competition and trade practices, and will consult with the Department of Homeland Security regarding national security and critical infrastructure in the food and agricultural sector (Section 2(c)(2) and (c)(3)).
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Expanded Prosecutorial Authority: The Special Investigator is granted the authority to bring any civil or administrative action authorized under the Act (Section 2(d)).
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Expert Oversight: The Office is required to maintain a staff consisting of attorneys and other professionals with appropriate expertise (Section 2(c)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill strengthens enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect producers from unfair trade practices. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Increased oversight of the food and agricultural sector helps protect the interests of rural agricultural producers. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — By enforcing competition laws in the food sector, the bill aims to prevent unfair practices that can impact food prices.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The establishment of a Special Investigator to prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act enhances competition and consumer protections in the food sector.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The creation of a dedicated office with specialized oversight increases regulatory transparency in the meat and poultry industries.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill requires consultation with the Department of Homeland Security regarding the security of critical infrastructure in the food and agricultural sector.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill mandates consultation with the Department of Homeland Security regarding critical infrastructure security in the food sector.
- 8/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/20/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
- 2/14/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Introduced in House
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia