SE Minnesota News

Congressman Brad Finstad, who represents Minnesota’s 1st district in the U.S. House of Representatives, has introduced new legislation aimed at providing a permanent framework for pork and poultry processing facilities to maintain full operational capacity. The American Protein Processing Modernization Act seeks to ensure that these processors can operate efficiently without being subject to what Finstad calls "arbitrary government deadlines."

The proposed act is based on findings from a pilot program with a record of worker safety and aims to have the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) publish food safety criteria for increased line speeds. If processors meet these criteria, they would be able to continue operating at higher speeds without facing forced slowdowns.

According to Finstad, “Time and time again, our pork and poultry processors have proven that increased line speeds are safe, effective, and better for consumers. I’m introducing the American Protein Processing Modernization Act to establish a permanent framework that will allow our pork and poultry processors to run at full operational capacity, giving American families, farmers, and food processors greater certainty in our food supply chain.”

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson also voiced support: “The nation’s producers, processors, and consumers deserve certainty, and the Biden Administration’s actions on pork and poultry processing line speeds provided anything but. Thankfully, it’s a new day at USDA under the leadership of Secretary Rollins. I commend Rep. Finstad for spearheading this legislation—steeped in science, technology, and innovation—that would provide a permanent solution to protect and enhance our nation’s food supply and look forward to working with USDA to get it done.”

Industry groups including the Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), and Minnesota Pork Producers Association have endorsed the bill.

Bryan Humphreys of NPPC stated: "Ensuring adequate harvest capacity is essential for America’s pig farmers to continue delivering safe, high-quality pork to breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates across America. We’re grateful for Congressman Finstad’s support in helping meat processing facilities run efficiently and safely." Todd Selvik from the Minnesota Pork Producers Association added: “The ability for our packers and processors to continue harvesting healthy, safe pork products while ensuring certainty for the consumer and farmers alike is paramount. Thank you to Rep. Finstad for working on behalf of pork processors and pig farmers.”

In 2021, a federal court ruling required plants in Minnesota to return to capped line speeds after striking down a USDA rule eliminating those limits. The USDA later allowed some plants temporary waivers as part of time-limited trials collecting worker safety data.

Finstad has previously led efforts urging USDA extensions of these waivers in order to avoid reduced processing capacity.

In March 2025 Secretary Brooke Rollins extended existing line speed waivers while beginning rulemaking on faster maximum line speeds; however no new waivers were issued at that time.

Finstad has served as U.S. Representative since 2022 after replacing Jim Hagedorn in Congress. He previously served in the Minnesota House from 2003-2009 and holds a degree from University of Minnesota. Born in New Ulm in 1976 he continues living there.