Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes within the Department of Agriculture (USDA) the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters.

Highlights:

• Establishes within the Department of Agriculture (USDA) the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters to investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 by packers and live poultry dealers (Title I, Sec. 101).

• Authorizes the office to bring any civil or administrative action against a packer found to have violated the aforementioned provisions, and requires the office provide notice to the Department of Justice (DOJ) about such actions brought in federal district court  (Title I, Sec. 101).

• Requires that the office do all of the following, including  (Title I, Sec. 101):

• Serve as a liaison to DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission with respect to competition and trade practices in the food and agricultural sector;

• Consult with the Department of Homeland Security on national security and critical infrastructure security in the food and agriculture sector;

• Maintain a staff of attorney’s and other professionals with appropriate expertise; and

• Coordinate with the Office of the General Counsel and the Packers and Stockyards Division of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to carry out the bill’s requirements.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text