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Hawley’s Antitrust Bill Aims to Dismantle Meatpacking Monopolies

By  |  September 14, 2023

US Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced the Strengthening Antitrust Enforcement for Meatpacking Act, a new piece of legislation aimed at breaking up the monopolies in the meatpacking and poultry industries. The bill seeks to empower antitrust enforcers to take action against giant meatpacking and poultry companies, placing power back into the hands of Missouri’s farmers and workers. This move comes in response to Tyson Foods’ recent announcement of plant closures in southern Missouri, resulting in the loss of over 2,000 jobs.

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    Senator Hawley expressed his concerns, stating, “Today’s meatpacking monopolists are making massive profits while shutting down competition. Congress must give antitrust prosecutors the power to end anti-competitive behavior without lengthy court battles. It’s time to hold monopolies accountable and empower farmers.”

    The Strengthening Antitrust Enforcement for Meatpacking Act proposes several key measures to address the concentration of power within the industry. Firstly, it aims to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 by establishing specific thresholds for market concentration. This will enable federal antitrust authorities to more effectively prohibit or unwind acquisitions that contribute to the concentration of the meatpacking sector.

    Additionally, the legislation seeks to deter further consolidation by disincentivizing entrenched meatpacking interests from acquiring more competitors. By introducing measures to discourage monopolistic practices, the bill aims to create a more level playing field for farmers and workers.

    Read more: US Lawmakers Reintroduced The Meat Packing Special Investigator Act

    The ultimate goal of the legislation is to put more power back into the hands of farmers and workers who have been adversely affected by the dominance of meatpacking and poultry monopolies. By breaking up these monopolies, the bill aims to foster greater competition and provide opportunities for smaller businesses to thrive.

    The full text of the Strengthening Antitrust Enforcement for Meatpacking Act can be found here. This comprehensive document outlines the specific provisions and measures proposed by Senator Hawley to address the issue at hand.

    The introduction of this legislation comes at a critical time, as the closure of Tyson Foods’ poultry plants in southern Missouri has highlighted the devastating impact of monopolistic practices on local economies and employment. By taking proactive steps to empower antitrust enforcers, Senator Hawley’s bill seeks to prevent similar situations in the future and safeguard the interests of American farmers and workers.

    In conclusion, Senator Josh Hawley’s introduction of the Strengthening Antitrust Enforcement for Meatpacking Act represents a significant effort to address the monopolistic practices prevalent in the meatpacking and poultry industries. By establishing specific thresholds for market concentration, deterring further consolidation, and empowering antitrust authorities, this legislation aims to break up monopolies and restore power to farmers and workers. It remains to be seen how this bill will progress through Congress, but its introduction marks an important step towards promoting fair competition and protecting the interests of American farmers and workers.

    Source: Hawley Senate Gov