American Beef Labeling Act of 2023 This bill reinstates mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef. Specifically, the bill requires the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to develop a means of reinstating the requirements that complies with the rules of the World Trade Organization. The USTR and the Department of Agriculture must implement the means within one year.
Impact
The reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef could significantly alter how beef is marketed and sold in the United States. Supporters of the bill argue that such transparency fosters better consumer awareness and choice, while also strengthening local beef producers by allowing them to highlight their regional products. Furthermore, the implementation of this legislation may necessitate changes in the supply chain and distribution practices of beef manufacturers and retailers to comply with the new labeling requirements.
Summary
SB52, known as the American Beef Labeling Act of 2023, aims to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) requirements specifically for beef products. This bill seeks to address consumer demand for transparency in the food supply by ensuring that beef sold in the U.S. carries accurate information regarding its origin. The legislation mandates the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to devise a method for reinstating these labeling requirements that adheres to World Trade Organization rules. This process must be completed within a designated timeline following the bill's enactment.
Contention
Despite the potential benefits of SB52, it may encounter opposition from certain segments within the agricultural and retail sectors. Critics might argue that reinstating mandatory labeling could impose additional costs and operational burdens on businesses, especially smaller producers who may struggle with compliance. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the bill's alignment with international trade agreements, which could provoke disputes with trading partners who may be affected by changes in U.S. labeling laws. Thus, while the bill aims to enhance consumer protection, it also raises questions about the trade-offs between transparency and economic feasibility.
Country of Origin Labeling Requirement Act This bill requires retail sellers of products online to conspicuously disclose the country of origin of the products. This requirement does not apply to individuals selling products through third-party websites or mobile applications. The Federal Trade Commission must enforce violations of this requirement as unfair or deceptive trade practices.
Country of Origin Labeling Requirement Act or the COOL Online Act This bill requires sellers of imported products online to conspicuously disclose the country of origin of the products and the country where the seller's principal place of business is located. This requirement does not apply to specified products, such as agricultural commodities, food or drugs, or previously owned items.The Federal Trade Commission must enforce violations of this requirement as unfair or deceptive trade practices.
Stop Inflationary Spending Act This bill requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide inflation projections for bills that Congress considers using the budget reconciliation process. Specifically, the CBO must estimate the impact on inflation that will occur from implementing each reconciliation bill, including the impact on inflation that will occur during each of the first five years after the enactment of the bill.
Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2023 This bill revises requirements concerning the sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities. Specifically, the bill revises the list of permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained (1) from a licensed dealer, (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements, (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year, or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Department of Agriculture. The requirements pertaining to sources apply to dogs and cats obtained through sales, donations, or offers. Monetary penalties are established for violations.
Foreign Adversary Risk Management Act or the FARM Act This bill places the Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. It also requires the committee to review any investment that could result in foreign control of any U.S. agricultural business. Further, the bill includes agricultural systems and supply chains in the definitions of critical infrastructure and critical technologies for the purposes of reviewing such investments. The Department of Agriculture and the Government Accountability Office must each analyze and report on foreign influence in the U.S. agricultural industry.
Saving Gig Economy Taxpayers Act This bill modifies requirements for third party settlement organizations to eliminate their reporting requirement with respect to the transactions of their participating payees unless they have earned more than $20,000 on more than 200 separate transactions in an applicable tax period. A third party settlement organization is the central organization that has the contractual obligation to make payments to participating payees (generally, a merchant or business) in a third party payment network. This reverses a provision in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that lowered the reporting threshold to $600 with no minimum on the number of transactions.