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119-hr-2626119th CongressWALLET

PIGS Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]

In Committee

Summary

Ends extreme confinement of breeding pigs by requiring enough space and freedom to lie down, stand up, and turn around. The bill would also create a federal assistance program to help producers meet the new space rules and tie initial funding to the Pork Promotion program.

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  • Independent pig producers would get priority for financial help, with at least $10 million set aside for the first two fiscal years to support facility changes.
  • All breeding pigs on covered farms would need a minimum of 24 square feet of usable floorspace per pig after December 31, 2025, though short exceptions apply for transport, veterinary care, a five-day pre-farrowing period, and slaughter consistent with humane slaughter law.
  • Producers who violate the rule would face penalties under the Animal Health Protection Act framework, the law would not block stricter state or local rules, and the substantive prohibition would take effect one year after enactment.

*It would require setting aside at least $10.0 million for producer assistance in each of the first two fiscal years, funded through amendments to the Pork Promotion order.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

New housing rules for breeding pigs

If enacted, pig producers would need to house breeding pigs so they can lie down, stand up, and turn around. Each breeding pig would need at least 24 square feet of usable floorspace starting December 31, 2025. Usable floorspace means total floor area divided by the number of pigs in the pen. Short exceptions would apply for transport, licensed vet care, the five days before farrowing, and humane slaughter. These rules would start one year after enactment.

Compliance aid for independent pig farmers

If enacted, USDA would set up a program to help pig producers pay to meet the new housing rules. Independent pig producers would get priority. The National Pork Board would have to set aside at least $10 million from assessments for the first fiscal year after enactment and the next year. The program would start one year after enactment, while the set-aside would apply to the first fiscal year after enactment and the following year.

Enforcement and state rules for pig farms

If enacted, the government would use existing Animal Health Protection Act tools to enforce these rules. Pig producers who violate them could face those penalties. The bill would not override state or local animal welfare laws that are the same or stricter. It would not limit the Secretary’s other animal welfare powers. If part of the section is struck down, the rest would still apply. These parts would start one year after enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]

TX • D

Cosponsors

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 4/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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