Congress faces division over animal agriculture laws amid farm bill delays

On June 26, 2026, Congress is grappling with significant disagreements regarding the farm bill, a vital legislative package influencing U.S. agriculture. The Senate agricultural committee recently unveiled a draft that omits the Save Our Bacon Act, a measure that would override state laws like California’s Proposition 12, which restricts the sale of certain animal products from farms using extreme confinement methods.

Impact of the Save Our Bacon Act on State Laws

The Save Our Bacon Act (SOB) was initially included in the House draft of the farm bill, championed by Representative G.T. Thompson. This act aims to nullify state regulations that impose stricter animal welfare standards. Advocates argue that such laws, including California's Prop 12, are essential for ensuring transparency in food sourcing and promoting humane treatment of livestock.

California's Prop 12 specifically bans the sale of pork, chicken, and veal from farms that employ extreme confinement practices, such as gestation crates. Molly Armus from Friends of the Earth stated, “The farm bill should be about supporting sustainable farming and healthy food and food security.” Advocacy groups emphasize the importance of these laws, citing that they reflect voter sentiment and are crucial for environmental health.

State Compliance and Industry Perspectives

According to the American Meat Producers Association (AMPA), 14 states have enacted similar laws to Prop 12. Recent USDA analysis indicates that 27% of hog farmers are already compliant with Prop 12, suggesting a shift towards more humane farming practices is underway. Holly Bice, president of AMPA, noted that many farmers support these regulations as they provide opportunities for premium pricing on crate-free products.

• 27% of hog farmers are Prop 12 compliant
• 14 states have similar animal welfare laws
• Support for Prop 12 among many hog farmers

However, not all hog farmers agree. Brent Hershey, a Pennsylvania hog farmer, expressed concerns that passing the SOB would undermine the investments he made to transition to crate-free operations. He stated, “Passing SOB would be devastating for producers like him who invested time and money into improving their operations.”

Environmental and Public Health Concerns

Experts warn that enabling large-scale animal agriculture to bypass state laws could set a troubling precedent for environmental and public health initiatives. J.W. Glass, a senior policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity, raised concerns about the broader implications of such legislation, questioning how it might affect other agricultural regulations, such as those limiting pesticide use.

As the Senate's draft farm bill does not currently include provisions that would allow animal agriculture to sidestep state laws, the future remains uncertain. Sara Amundson, president of the Humane World Action Fund, emphasized the need for continued advocacy against the SOB, stating, “That’s why it’s critical to keep up the noise on it.” With the House and Senate at an impasse, the potential for a prolonged legislative gridlock looms.