John Thune
Senator for South Dakota · Republican · United States
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4166-S4167] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Working Families Tax Cut Act Mr. THUNE. Mr.”
“And Workforce Pell will also be a game changer for midcareer professionals. As Colette Atkins, who works at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, said, ``we have students that are working already, and they can't step away for 2 years, but can they step away to do that 8 to 15 weeks to get that training? They sure can.”
“Trade Representative Office, were among the speakers. ``This isn't the 1980 Farm Crisis, but the pressure is mounting . . . and the effect will be felt across the broader Iowa economy,'' said Christopher Pudenz, the farm bureau's economist, who presented the report along with [Iowa State University] economists Chad Hart and John Crespi.”
“Steady farmland values have bolstered the ag economy, including supporting farmers' ability to borrow money for their operations, though last year, Iowa farmland values inched up less than 1% to an average of $11,549 per acre, [the Iowa State University] reported in its annual farmland survey.”
“``Iowa farm income fell 53 percent over 3 years, new ISU report says.'' Iowa farm income tumbled 53% from 2022 to 2024, squeezed by record-high import costs, depressed corn and soybean prices and continued trade uncertainty, a new report shows.”
“Trump Accounts are a significant tool for parents and their kids. But it is far from the only thing that we did in this bill to help the next generation get a headstart on their American dream.”
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“``(d) Use of Grant.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to carry out activities in support of the purposes described in subsection (b)(1), including through-- ``(1) the development and issuance of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan for the eligible entity, which may be developed by a consultant; ``(2) the purchase or establishment, as applicable, of facilities, equipment, processes, and operations necessary for the eligible entity to comply with applicable requirements under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(4) Notice.--Not later than 14 days before the date on which the Secretary begins to accept applications under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish a notice of funding opportunity with respect to the grants available under this section. ``(5) Reapplication.--If an application of an eligible entity under this subsection is denied by the Secretary, the eligible entity may submit a revised application. ``(6) Priority.--In reviewing applications submitted under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that will-- ``(A) increase farmer and rancher access to animal slaughter options within a 200-mile radius of the location of the farmer or rancher; or ``(B) support an eligible entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A).”
“``(c) Applications.-- ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(2) Applications for small grants.--The Secretary shall establish a separate, simplified application process for eligible entities applying for a grant under this section of not more than $100,000. ``(3) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that any application for a grant under this section is-- ``(A) simple and practicable; ``(B) accessible online; and ``(C) available through local staff of the Department of Agriculture.”
“``(b) Grants.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall award competitive grants to eligible entities for activities to increase resiliency and diversification of the meat processing system, including activities that-- ``(A) support the health and safety of meat and poultry plant employees, suppliers, and customers; ``(B) support increased processing capacity; and ``(C) otherwise support the resilience of the small meat and poultry processing sector. ``(2) Maximum amount.--The maximum amount of a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed $500,000. ``(3) Duration.--The term of a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed 3 years.”
“454); ``(C) a person engaging in custom operations that is exempt from inspection under-- ``(i) section 23 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 623); or ``(ii) section 15 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 464); and ``(D) a person seeking-- ``(i) to establish and operate an establishment described in subparagraph (A) or (B); or ``(ii) to engage in custom operations described in subparagraph (C). ``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service.”
“1621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 210B. PROCESSING RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means-- ``(A) a smaller establishment or very small establishment (as those terms are defined in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 33806 (July 25, 1996))); ``(B) a slaughtering or processing establishment subject to-- ``(i) a State meat inspection program pursuant to section 301 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661); or ``(ii) a State poultry product inspection program pursuant to section 5 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(B) Report.--At the conclusion of each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, the Secretary shall submit a report detailing the activities and results of the outreach conducted during that fiscal year under subparagraph (A) to-- ``(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; ``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; ``(iii) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and ``(iv) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.''. SEC. 5. PROCESSING RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM. Subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.”
“683) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``25 employees'' each place it appears and inserting ``50 employees''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; and (iii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``more than 25 employees but less than 35 employees'' and inserting ``more than 50 employees but less than 70 employees''; (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``60 percent'' and inserting ``80 percent''; and (3) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Federal outreach.-- ``(A) In general.--In each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, for the purpose of State participation in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program, the Secretary shall conduct outreach to, and, as appropriate, subsequent negotiation with, not fewer than 25 percent of the States that-- ``(i) have a State meat inspection program pursuant to section 301; but ``(ii) do not have a selected establishment.”
“``(2) Report.--At the conclusion of each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, the Secretary shall submit a report detailing the activities and results of the outreach conducted during that fiscal year under paragraph (1) to-- ``(A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; ``(B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; ``(C) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and ``(D) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.''. (b) Meat and Meat Food Products.--Section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“472) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``25 employees'' each place it appears and inserting ``50 employees''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; and (iii) in subparagraph (B)-- (I) in clause (i), by striking ``more than 25 employees but less than 35 employees'' and inserting ``more than 50 employees but less than 70 employees''; and (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``subsection (i)'' and inserting ``subsection (j)''; (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``60 percent'' and inserting ``80 percent''; (3) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``subsection (i)'' and inserting ``subsection (j)''; (4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (i) as subsections (g) through (j), respectively; and (5) by inserting after subsection (e) the following: ``(f) Federal Outreach.-- ``(1) In general.--In each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, for the purpose of State participation in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program, the Secretary shall conduct outreach to, and, as appropriate, subsequent negotiation with, not fewer than 25 percent of the States that-- ``(A) have a State poultry product inspection program pursuant to section 5; but [[Page S2667]] ``(B) do not have a selected establishment.”
“454(a)(3)) is amended in the second sentence by striking ``50 per centum'' and inserting ``65 percent''. (b) Meat and Meat Food Products.--Section 301(a)(3) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661(a)(3)) is amended in the second sentence by striking ``50 per centum'' and inserting ``65 percent''. SEC. 4. COOPERATIVE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT OF POULTRY AND MEAT. (a) Poultry Products.--Section 31 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(c) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on the requirements that need to be met for smaller establishments and very small establishments to receive approval for a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan pursuant to this Act. ``(d) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall not publish confidential business information, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan of an establishment.''. SEC. 3. INCREASING MAXIMUM FEDERAL SHARE FOR EXPENSES OF STATE INSPECTION. (a) Poultry Products.--Section 5(a)(3) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(b) Database of Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) establish a free, searchable database of approved peer-reviewed validation studies accessible to smaller establishments and very small establishments subject to inspection under this Act for use in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan; and ``(2) publish online scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans for smaller establishments and very small establishments, including model plans for-- ``(A) slaughter-only establishments; ``(B) processing-only establishments; and ``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.”
“``(a) Definitions of Smaller Establishment and Very Small Establishment.--In this section, the terms `smaller establishment' and `very small establishment' have the meanings given those terms in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)).”
“``(c) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on the requirements that need to be met for smaller establishments and very small establishments to receive approval for a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan pursuant to this Act. ``(d) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall not publish confidential business information, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan of an establishment.''. (b) Meat Establishments.--The Federal Meat Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 25 (21 U.S.C. 625) the following: ``SEC. 26. SMALLER AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES.”
“38806 (July 25, 1996)). ``(b) Database of Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) establish a free, searchable database of approved peer-reviewed validation studies accessible to smaller establishments and very small establishments subject to inspection under this Act for use in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan; and ``(2) publish online scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans for smaller establishments and very small establishments, including model plans for-- ``(A) slaughter-only establishments; ``(B) processing-only establishments; and ``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.”
“1509 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. HACCP GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES FOR SMALLER AND VERY SMALL POULTRY AND MEAT ESTABLISHMENTS. (a) Poultry Establishments.--The Poultry Products Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 14 (21 U.S.C. 463) the following: ``SEC. 14A. SMALLER AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES. ``(a) Definitions of Smaller Establishment and Very Small Establishment.--In this section, the terms `smaller establishment' and `very small establishment' have the meanings given those terms in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S2666-S2668] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] By Mr. THUNE (for himself and Ms. Smith): S. 1509. A bill to amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act to support small and very small meat and poultry processing establishments, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S.”
“DURBIN (for himself and Ms. Duckworth): S. 1516. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Cahokia Mounds, Emerald Mounds, and Pulcher Mounds in the State of Illinois, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.”
“``(b) Processor Career Training Programs.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide competitive grants to junior or community colleges, technical or vocational schools, nonprofit organizations, worker training centers, and land-grant colleges and universities to establish or expand career training programs, including for structured apprenticeships, relating to meat and poultry processing. ``(2) Applications for small grants.--The Secretary shall establish a separate, simplified application and reporting process for entities described in paragraph (1) applying for a grant under this subsection of not more than $100,000. ``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.''. ______ By Mr.”
“``(3) Structured apprenticeship.--The term `structured apprenticeship' means an apprenticeship program that-- ``(A) provides most of the training on the job in a meat or poultry processing facility; ``(B) describes in detail-- ``(i) all of the competencies necessary to work in a meat or poultry processing facility; and ``(ii) the competencies that are necessary to own and operate a meat or poultry processing facility that is a smaller establishment or a very small establishment; ``(C) describes the level of knowledge, skill, and ability the apprentice ought to attain in each competency; ``(D) includes a component for someone other than the trainer-- ``(i) to assess competency attainment; and ``(ii) to assure that all competencies are being addressed during the apprenticeship; ``(E) includes an individualized plan for each apprentice that-- ``(i) considers prior knowledge, skill, and ability; and ``(ii) allows for apprentices to opt out of competencies irrelevant to their career goals; and ``(F) focuses on individuals who will work in or operate meat or poultry processing facilities that are smaller establishments or very small establishments.”
“Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 is amended by inserting before section 404 (7 U.S.C. 7624) the following: [[Page S2668]] ``SEC. 403. PROCESSOR CAREER TRAINING PROGRAMS. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Land-grant colleges and universities.--The term `land-grant colleges and universities' has the meaning given the term in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103). ``(2) Smaller establishment; very small establishment.--The terms `smaller establishment' and `very small establishment' have the meanings given those terms in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)).”
“``(2) Fiscal years 2025 and 2026.--An eligible entity awarded a grant under this section during fiscal year 2025 or 2026 shall not be required to provide non-Federal matching funds with respect to the grant. ``(g) Administration.--The promulgation of regulations under, and administration of, this section shall be made without regard to-- ``(1) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of title 5, United States Code; and ``(2) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act'). ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.''. SEC. 6. PROCESSOR CAREER TRAINING PROGRAMS.”
“``(e) Outreach.--During the period beginning on the date on which the Secretary publishes the notice under subsection (c)(4) and ending on the date on which the Secretary begins to accept applications under subsection (c)(1), the Secretary shall perform outreach to States and eligible entities relating to grants under this section. ``(f) Federal Share.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Federal share of the activities carried out using a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed-- ``(A) 90 percent in the case of a grant in the amount of $100,000 or less; or ``(B) 75 percent in the case of a grant in an amount greater than $100,000.”
“451 et seq.); ``(3) the purchase of cold storage, equipment, or transportation services; ``(4) the purchase of temperature screening supplies, testing for communicable diseases, disinfectant, sanitation systems, hand washing stations, and other sanitizing supplies; ``(5) the purchase and decontamination of personal protective equipment; ``(6) the construction or purchase of humane handling infrastructure, including holding space for livestock prior to slaughter, shade structures, and knock box structures; ``(7)(A) the purchase of software and computer equipment for record keeping, production data, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points record review; and ``(B) the provision of guidelines and training relating to that software and computer equipment; ``(8) the provision of staff time and training for implementing and monitoring health and safety procedures; ``(9) the development of a feasibility study or business plan for, or the carrying out of any other activity associated with, establishing or expanding a small meat or poultry processing facility; ``(10) the purchase of equipment that enables the further use or value-added sale of coproducts or byproducts, such as organs, hides, and other relevant products; and ``(11) other activities associated with expanding or establishing an eligible entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A), as determined by the Secretary.”
“``(d) Use of Grant.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to carry out activities in support of the purposes described in subsection (b)(1), including through-- ``(1) the development and issuance of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan for the eligible entity, which may be developed by a consultant; ``(2) the purchase or establishment, as applicable, of facilities, equipment, processes, and operations necessary for the eligible entity to comply with applicable requirements under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(4) Notice.--Not later than 14 days before the date on which the Secretary begins to accept applications under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish a notice of funding opportunity with respect to the grants available under this section. ``(5) Reapplication.--If an application of an eligible entity under this subsection is denied by the Secretary, the eligible entity may submit a revised application. ``(6) Priority.--In reviewing applications submitted under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that will-- ``(A) increase farmer and rancher access to animal slaughter options within a 200-mile radius of the location of the farmer or rancher; or ``(B) support an eligible entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A).”
“``(c) Applications.-- ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(2) Applications for small grants.--The Secretary shall establish a separate, simplified application process for eligible entities applying for a grant under this section of not more than $100,000. ``(3) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that any application for a grant under this section is-- ``(A) simple and practicable; ``(B) accessible online; and ``(C) available through local staff of the Department of Agriculture.”
“``(b) Grants.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall award competitive grants to eligible entities for activities to increase resiliency and diversification of the meat processing system, including activities that-- ``(A) support the health and safety of meat and poultry plant employees, suppliers, and customers; ``(B) support increased processing capacity; and ``(C) otherwise support the resilience of the small meat and poultry processing sector. ``(2) Maximum amount.--The maximum amount of a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed $500,000. ``(3) Duration.--The term of a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed 3 years.”
“454); ``(C) a person engaging in custom operations that is exempt from inspection under-- ``(i) section 23 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 623); or ``(ii) section 15 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 464); and ``(D) a person seeking-- ``(i) to establish and operate an establishment described in subparagraph (A) or (B); or ``(ii) to engage in custom operations described in subparagraph (C). ``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service.”
“1621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 210B. PROCESSING RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means-- ``(A) a smaller establishment or very small establishment (as those terms are defined in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 33806 (July 25, 1996))); ``(B) a slaughtering or processing establishment subject to-- ``(i) a State meat inspection program pursuant to section 301 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661); or ``(ii) a State poultry product inspection program pursuant to section 5 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(B) Report.--At the conclusion of each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, the Secretary shall submit a report detailing the activities and results of the outreach conducted during that fiscal year under subparagraph (A) to-- ``(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; ``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; ``(iii) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and ``(iv) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.''. SEC. 5. PROCESSING RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM. Subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.”
“683) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``25 employees'' each place it appears and inserting ``50 employees''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; and (iii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``more than 25 employees but less than 35 employees'' and inserting ``more than 50 employees but less than 70 employees''; (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``60 percent'' and inserting ``80 percent''; and (3) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Federal outreach.-- ``(A) In general.--In each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, for the purpose of State participation in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program, the Secretary shall conduct outreach to, and, as appropriate, subsequent negotiation with, not fewer than 25 percent of the States that-- ``(i) have a State meat inspection program pursuant to section 301; but ``(ii) do not have a selected establishment.”
“``(2) Report.--At the conclusion of each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, the Secretary shall submit a report detailing the activities and results of the outreach conducted during that fiscal year under paragraph (1) to-- ``(A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; ``(B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; ``(C) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and ``(D) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.''. (b) Meat and Meat Food Products.--Section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“472) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``25 employees'' each place it appears and inserting ``50 employees''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; and (iii) in subparagraph (B)-- (I) in clause (i), by striking ``more than 25 employees but less than 35 employees'' and inserting ``more than 50 employees but less than 70 employees''; and (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``subsection (i)'' and inserting ``subsection (j)''; (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``60 percent'' and inserting ``80 percent''; (3) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``subsection (i)'' and inserting ``subsection (j)''; (4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (i) as subsections (g) through (j), respectively; and (5) by inserting after subsection (e) the following: ``(f) Federal Outreach.-- ``(1) In general.--In each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, for the purpose of State participation in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program, the Secretary shall conduct outreach to, and, as appropriate, subsequent negotiation with, not fewer than 25 percent of the States that-- ``(A) have a State poultry product inspection program pursuant to section 5; but [[Page S2667]] ``(B) do not have a selected establishment.”
“454(a)(3)) is amended in the second sentence by striking ``50 per centum'' and inserting ``65 percent''. (b) Meat and Meat Food Products.--Section 301(a)(3) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661(a)(3)) is amended in the second sentence by striking ``50 per centum'' and inserting ``65 percent''. SEC. 4. COOPERATIVE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT OF POULTRY AND MEAT. (a) Poultry Products.--Section 31 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(c) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on the requirements that need to be met for smaller establishments and very small establishments to receive approval for a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan pursuant to this Act. ``(d) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall not publish confidential business information, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan of an establishment.''. SEC. 3. INCREASING MAXIMUM FEDERAL SHARE FOR EXPENSES OF STATE INSPECTION. (a) Poultry Products.--Section 5(a)(3) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(b) Database of Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) establish a free, searchable database of approved peer-reviewed validation studies accessible to smaller establishments and very small establishments subject to inspection under this Act for use in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan; and ``(2) publish online scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans for smaller establishments and very small establishments, including model plans for-- ``(A) slaughter-only establishments; ``(B) processing-only establishments; and ``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.”
“``(a) Definitions of Smaller Establishment and Very Small Establishment.--In this section, the terms `smaller establishment' and `very small establishment' have the meanings given those terms in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)).”
“``(c) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on the requirements that need to be met for smaller establishments and very small establishments to receive approval for a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan pursuant to this Act. ``(d) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall not publish confidential business information, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan of an establishment.''. (b) Meat Establishments.--The Federal Meat Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 25 (21 U.S.C. 625) the following: ``SEC. 26. SMALLER AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES.”
“``(b) Database of Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) establish a free, searchable database of approved peer-reviewed validation studies accessible to smaller establishments and very small establishments subject to inspection under this Act for use in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan; and ``(2) publish online scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans for smaller establishments and very small establishments, including model plans for-- ``(A) slaughter-only establishments; ``(B) processing-only establishments; and ``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.”
“``(a) Definitions of Smaller Establishment and Very Small Establishment.--In this section, the terms `smaller establishment' and `very small establishment' have the meanings given those terms in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)).”
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 1509 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. HACCP GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES FOR SMALLER AND VERY SMALL POULTRY AND MEAT ESTABLISHMENTS. (a) Poultry Establishments.--The Poultry Products Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 14 (21 U.S.C. 463) the following: ``SEC. 14A. SMALLER AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES.”
“I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk called the roll.”
“I move to proceed to H.J. Res. 42. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the motion. The legislative clerk read as follows: Motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 42, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ``Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment''. Vote on Motion The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion to proceed.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S2643-S2644] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT Mr. THUNE. Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order following the vote on the motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 42 and the remarks of my colleagues. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. [[Page S2644]] ____________________”
“42 be expired, the joint resolution be read a third time, and the Senate vote on passage of the joint resolution. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2643] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025 Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate resume consideration of H.J. Res. 42 if the motion to proceed has been agreed to; further, that at 11:30 a.m., all debate time on H.J. Res.”
“The resolutions were agreed to. The preambles were agreed to. (The resolutions, with their preambles, are printed in today's Record under ``Submitted Resolutions.'') ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2643] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following resolutions, which are at the desk: S. Res. 184, S. Res. 185, S. Res. 186, and S. Res. 187. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolutions en bloc. Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.”