This Week in Congress: September 27, 2010

Statement

Economic Analysis of USDA GIPSA Livestock Regulations NeededTY

On Friday, I expressed my concerns to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack about a Proposed Rule published by USDA's Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) that makes changes to regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. Since publication of the Proposed Rule, many livestock producers have raised concerns because the rule proposes sweeping changes to how livestock producers market their animals, but contains no economic analysis about how the rule will impact their operations.

Whether livestock producers agree or disagree with the Proposed Rule, it is essential that USDA accurately represent the economic impact of the Proposed Rule, as required under existing federal procedures. This rule will have widespread impact on our nation's livestock markets and producers have the right to know the extent of that impact.

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