New Bipartisan Bill Aims To Cut Costs For Consumers
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Lowering Egg Prices Act, aiming to reduce costs for consumers. Rep. Josh Riley (D-NY), along with Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), is leading this effort. By removing outdated federal regulations, the bill could significantly increase the number of eggs available in the market.
Currently, federal law requires farmers to refrigerate all eggs immediately after they are laid. However, this rule doesn’t differentiate between table eggs, which need refrigeration, and breaker eggs, which are processed into liquid products like salad dressings and cake mixes. Because of this, farmers discard nearly 400 million eggs each year. The new legislation would allow those eggs to be sold instead, reducing waste and increasing supply.
How Would This Bill Lower Egg Prices?
If passed, the bill would bring several benefits:
- Less food waste: Farmers could sell eggs that they currently throw away.
- More eggs in the market: A larger supply could help stabilize and reduce prices.
- Stronger support for farmers: Eliminating unnecessary waste would boost profits and efficiency.
What Lawmakers Are Saying
🔹 Rep. Josh Riley (D-NY): “Families across Upstate New York are struggling with high grocery prices. This bill removes unnecessary regulations, increases the egg supply, and lowers costs at the checkout.”
🔹 Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC): “For 15 years, this bureaucratic nonsense has forced businesses to waste billions of eggs. This bill stops the waste, lowers prices, and restores common sense.”
🔹 Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.): “We need more yolks for folks. Reversing this outdated regulation will make more eggs available and help bring down prices.”
🔹 Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI): “Groceries are too expensive. By getting more eggs into the supply chain, this bill helps put money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans.”
Will the Bill Pass?
With bipartisan support, the bill stands a strong chance in Congress. However, lawmakers will need to balance the potential benefits with food safety concerns. Supporters argue that breaking eggs into liquid form eliminates risks, making the refrigeration rule unnecessary.
If passed, the bill could help make eggs more affordable for millions of families, reduce waste, and strengthen the farming industry.
Bottom Line
Egg prices remain high, but the Lowering Egg Prices Act offers a solution. By allowing millions of currently discarded eggs to enter the market, this bipartisan bill could bring much-needed relief to consumers and farmers alike.enter the market, this bipartisan bill could provide relief to consumers and farmers alike.
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