Press Releases

Today, the House Committee on Agriculture passed Congressman David Rouzer’s bill (H.R. 5883) to modernize and clarify the Packers & Stockyards Act as it relates to the buying or selling of livestock in commerce through online, video and other electronic methods.  H.R. 5883 updates the requirements and method of transactions producers must follow – specifically by providing for the same protections for those who sell through online and video auctions and permitting the use of modern electronic payment methods. 

"The Packers and Stockyards Act was written almost 100 years ago and is in need of modernization,” said Rep. David Rouzer.  “This clarification is a reflection of changes in the marketplace as a result of modern technologies. This legislation will help ensure that our producers receive the law's financial protections regardless of whether they sell products at a fixed-facility market or through an online or video auction."  

“I applaud Rep. Rouzer for his great work in putting forth a common-sense bill to modernize provisions in the Packers and Stockyards Act,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway. “With the increase of livestock sales online and through video auction, this change ensures that these individuals receive the same protections as are provided to those who buy and sell at fixed-facilities.”

To read the text of H.R. 5883, please click here.

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