Americans have long valued states’ rights and limited government, ensuring that bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. do not dictate how we run our states or our personal lives. That’s why I strongly oppose the so-called Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act—a federal overreach that threatens the principles of federalism and state autonomy.
At its core, the EATS Act is a power grab by Washington and multinational corporations, including foreign-owned agribusiness interests, to strip states of their constitutional right to set agricultural standards. This bill would nullify laws like California’s Proposition 12, which sets animal welfare requirements for pork products sold in the state. But it doesn’t stop there—the EATS Act would also wipe out laws in at least ten states with cage-free egg regulations and 11 states that have banned cruel gestation crates for pigs.
While I don’t agree with many of California’s policies, I respect each state’s right to make its own decisions. States like Arizona, Colorado, Michigan and Florida have independently banned cruel confinement practices—not due to federal mandates but because their voters and elected officials saw fit to do so. The EATS Act would override these local decisions and undermine the will of millions of Americans who support higher animal welfare standards.
Opponents of Proposition 12, including the Chinese-owned Smithfield Foods and the National Pork Producers Council, have fought to weaken state authority under the guise of “free trade.” These efforts are not about protecting farmers or consumers but about consolidating power for the largest agribusinesses at the expense of small, independent farmers. By voiding state-level protections, the EATS Act would allow massive corporate conglomerates to dictate industry rules while sidelining local farmers who play by the rules their states have set.
During her confirmation hearing, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins raised concerns about Proposition 12 but acknowledged the complexity of the issue. As she takes on this critical role, I hope her strong track record on states’ rights will guide her to respect and uphold state laws.
One of the biggest myths about the EATS Act is that it helps farmers. In reality, it does the opposite. The bill benefits only the largest, most consolidated agribusinesses—many foreign-owned—that have no interest in preserving American farming traditions. Small family farms, the backbone of agriculture, will be placed at a further disadvantage as they struggle to compete with massive corporate operations that ignore local standards and consumer preferences.
Beyond its economic impact, the EATS Act sets a dangerous precedent for states’ rights. If Washington can override state decisions on agricultural policy today, what stops it from doing the same on energy policy, gun rights or environmental regulations tomorrow? This should alarm all conservatives, regardless of their stance on Proposition 12.
Americans benefit from limited government and local control. We do not need Washington dictating what is best for our communities, businesses or farmers. The EATS Act would strip states of their autonomy, weaken consumer protections and open the door to greater federal overreach. That is why I urge my former colleagues in Congress to reject this bill and stand up for federalism and free markets.
Instead of passing one-size-fits-all federal legislation that serves foreign agribusiness giants, we should focus on strengthening independent farmers, investing in rural infrastructure and promoting policies that expand consumer choice. Our founding fathers understood the importance of keeping decision-making as close to the people as possible.
During my ten years in Congress, I fought for West Virginians and all Americans to govern themselves. The EATS Act is a bad deal for farmers, consumers and our nation. Congress must reject this misguided overreach and uphold the principles that make America strong.
Former U.S. Representative Alex Mooney served in Congress from 2015 to 2025 and was a longtime member of the House Freedom Caucus. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor at Competitive Markets Action, Inc. in Washington, D.C., and lives in Charles Town, West Virginia, with his family.
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