For a long time, Americans have valued state rights and limited government, ensuring that Washington, D.C. bureaucrats do not decide how our state and private life will run. That’s why I strongly oppose the so-called ending agricultural trade suppression (EATS) act.– The federal government goes back and forth between it I’ll threaten Principles of federalism and national autonomy.
At the heart of its Eats Act is power grab strips states of constitutional rights to set agricultural standards by Washington and multinational corporations that include the interests of foreign-owned agribusinesses. This bill will override laws like California’s proposal 12has set animal welfare requirements for pork products sold in the state. But that hasn’t stopped. The Eats Act also wipes out the law in at least 10 states with 11 states and Cage-free egg regulations that banned cruel pregnancy boxes for pigs.
I disagree with many California policies, but I respect each state’s right to make its own decisions. Statements such as Arizona, Colorado, Michigan and Florida have independently banned cruel confinement practices because they thought they were appropriate for voters and elected officials to do so, not because of federal orders. The EATS Act will override these local decisions and undermine the will of millions of Americans who support higher animal welfare standards.
Opponents of Proposition 12, including China-owned Smithfield Foods and the National Council of Pork Producers.They fought to weaken national authority under the guise of “free trade.” These efforts are not to protect farmers and consumers, but to consolidate power for the greatest agribusiness at the expense of small and medium-sized independent farmers. By overriding state-level protections, the EATS Act will do so Allow Large corporate conglomerates decide industry rules while watching local farmers play with rules set by their state.
During her confirmation hearing, Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins raised concerns about Prop. 12, but acknowledged the complexity of the matter. When she assumes this important role, I hope that her strong track record in state rights will lead her to respect and support the state law.
One of the biggest myths about the Eats Act is It’s helpful farmers. In reality, it does the opposite. The bill only benefits the largest and most integrated agribusinesses (many foreign-owned) that are not interested in maintaining American agriculture traditions. Small family farms, the backbone of agriculture, are even more at a disadvantage as they struggle to compete with large-scale corporate operations that ignore local standards and consumer preferences.
Beyond its economic impact, the EATS Act sets a dangerous precedent for state rights. If Washington can override state decisions on agricultural policy today, what will prevent them from doing the same thing tomorrow about energy policy, gun rights and environmental regulations? This should warn all conservatives, regardless of their stance on Proposition 12.
Americans benefit from limited government and local control. Washington doesn’t have to dictate what’s best for your community, business or farmer. The EATS Act strips them of their state of autonomy, weakens consumer protection, and opens the door to a greater federal overreach. That’s why I urge my former Congress colleagues to reject this bill and confront federalism and the free market.
Instead of passing federal laws of all sizes serving foreign agribusiness giants, the focus should be on enhancing independent farmers, investing in rural infrastructure, and promoting policies that expand consumer choice. Our founding father understood the importance of bringing decision-making as close to people as possible.
During my ten years in Congress, I fought for West Virginians and all Americans to rule themselves. The Eats Act is bad for farmers, consumers and our country. Congress must refuse to acquire this misguided excess and support the principles that will strengthen America.
Former US representative Alex Mooney served in Congress from 2015 to 2025 and was a longtime member of the House Freedom Caucus. He is currently a competitive market Action, Inc., located in Washington, DC. and lives with his family in Charlestown, West Virginia.
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