Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) State meat inspection programs are authorized under section 301 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661) if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that such programs impose requirements at least equal to those imposed under Federal inspection. (2) Ranchers and small-scale meat producers operating under compliant State inspection programs are currently limited in their ability to access interstate markets. (3) Allowing interstate shipment of meat and meat food products inspected under qualifying State programs will— (A) expand market access for small and mid-sized ranchers; (B) increase competition in meat processing; (C) strengthen domestic food supply resilience; and (D) maintain food safety standards equivalent to Federal inspection.