USCA Applauds Bill to Establish Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters
On Friday, U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Charles Grassley (R-IA), and Mike Rounds (R-SD) teamed up to introduce legislation that would amend the Packers and Stockyards Act to establish theOffice of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters.
Senator Tester announced the legislation at an event held at the Public Auction Yards in Billings, Montana on Friday, June 11.
USCA Director Emeritus Leo McDonnell of Columbus, Montana issued the following statement:
"This bill comes at a critical time for the U.S. cattle industry. To ensure a level playing field for U.S. cattle producers, we need a referee that can call foul on anticompetitive market practices.
"This bill directs coordination between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It grants subpoena power to aid in the investigation and prosecution of violators of the Packers & Stockyards Act, and bolsters the legal power of the USDA by maintaining a staff of attorneys and other professionals with relevant expertise that can elevate cases of corruption.
"USCA has long advocated for the creation of this special investigator position, and we applaud Senators Tester, Grassley, and Rounds for advancing this legislation."
