Congress ought to pass a Farm Bill that improves animal welfare, not undermines it. Shockingly, the current House Farm Bill contains a provision that could overturn state laws designed to protect animals from inhumane practices, such as California’s Proposition 12, which bans the sale of certain products from animals kept in extreme confinement. This version of the Farm Bill disregards the wishes of millions of voters, jeopardizes years of progress toward a more humane food system, and puts family farmers at an even greater disadvantage against industrial agriculture.

According to recent polling, over 90% of Americans believe animals raised for food deserve to be free from abuse and cruelty. We need a Farm Bill that reflects these values and includes other popular, commonsense animal-protection measures like Goldie’s Act and the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, which crack down on puppy mill cruelty and end horse slaughter, respectively. I’m disappointed that the House Agriculture Committee squandered a rare opportunity to improve conditions for animals and independent farmers. Fortunately, it’s not too late to turn things around. When the House’s Farm Bill reaches the floor for a vote, I urge my representative, Rep. Kuster, to reject any version of the Farm Bill that strips states of their power to enforce animal welfare laws and to fight for a bill that includes Goldie’s Act and the SAFE Act.

Lauren Martin

Amherst