Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)
PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
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
The PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act aims to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to allow Tribal personnel to conduct meat inspections. This allows Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations to enter into self-determination contracts to hire and train staff for inspections at covered facilities. These facilities must be at least 51 percent owned by a Tribe or Tribal organization. The bill establishes standards for these inspections to ensure they meet required safety and sanitation levels. It also covers the labeling of meat products and their shipment in interstate commerce. Additionally, the bill provides for technical assistance and potential funding through loans and grants.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +8
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill significantly enhances Tribal sovereignty and economic opportunities in Indian Country.
- Scored +6
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The bill promotes Tribal self-determination and economic empowerment for Indian Tribes.
- Scored +5
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill provides significant infrastructure and economic support for rural Tribal areas.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill maintains federal oversight authority including recall and audit powers over the Tribal contracts.
- Scored -2
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
The bill specifically restricts meat products inspected under these contracts from being sold in foreign commerce.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Tribal Autonomy: The bill allows Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to enter into self-determination contracts to carry out meat inspections at facilities they own or partially own (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Employment and Training Opportunities: The bill includes the hiring and training of Tribal personnel to conduct inspections at covered facilities (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Interstate Commerce Access: The Secretary is required to authorize the shipment of meat food products in interstate commerce if they bear a Federal inspection label placed by Tribal personnel (Section 2(d)(1-2)).
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Technical and Financial Support: The Secretary shall provide technical assistance upon request (Section 2(e)), and Tribal organizations operating under these contracts become eligible for grants and loans for rural water, waste disposal, and community facilities (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Insurance Requirements: Tribal organizations or entities owning covered facilities are required to maintain insurance coverage that is appropriate for the size of the facility, including coverage for food-borne illness outbreaks (Section 2(b)(3)(A)).
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Restrictions on Sales: Meat food products inspected under these self-determination contracts may not be sold in foreign commerce (Section 2(d)(3)).
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Legal and Liability Constraints: While Tribal personnel are deemed Federal employees for certain liability purposes, the insurance must include provisions where the carrier waives sovereign immunity for specific claims, though this does not extend to interest prior to judgment or punitive damages (Section 2(b)(3)(C)).
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 Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill significantly enhances Tribal sovereignty and economic opportunities in Indian Country. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill provides significant infrastructure and economic support for rural Tribal areas. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill supports the growth of Tribal-owned meat processing businesses. Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill benefits those involved in livestock and meat processing industries.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill facilitates the hiring and training of Tribal personnel for meat inspection roles. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides technical assistance and access to loans and grants for Tribal meat processing entities. Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill maintains high standards for food safety and sanitation through regulated inspections. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By allowing meat products to be sold in interstate commerce, the bill supports economic expansion within Tribal communities.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill promotes Tribal self-determination and economic empowerment for Indian Tribes. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Economic opportunities in meat processing can help reduce poverty in Tribal communities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill provides grants and loans specifically for rural water, waste disposal, and community facilities for Tribal organizations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — The bill expressly authorizes the shipment of products in interstate commerce via Tribal inspection. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill maintains federal oversight authority including recall and audit powers over the Tribal contracts.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — The bill specifically restricts meat products inspected under these contracts from being sold in foreign commerce.
- 3/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota