Bill · S. 1904· Senate(119-S-1904)
Ending Taxpayer Support for Big Egg Producers Act
- Introduced
- 5/22/2025
- Last activity
- 5/22/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3119-3120)
- Sponsored by
- John Reed
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Ending Taxpayer Support for Big Egg Producers Act," seeks to amend the Animal Health Protection Act. It targets "covered entities," which are defined as persons or companies with more than $100,000,000 in annual revenue and 1,500 employees. The bill establishes new requirements for these entities to receive indemnity or compensation from the Secretary of Agriculture for poultry flocks affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza. Specifically, these entities must certify they will not pay dividends or repurchase equity for a two-year period. For private equity-owned or public companies, additional certifications regarding economic necessity and liquidity are required.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+5
By limiting dividend payments and equity repurchases for large entities receiving aid, it ensures public funds support operations rather than shareholder returns.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill increases transparency by requiring specific certifications regarding economic necessity for large producers.
Would farmers be better off under this?+2
While it targets large entities, it enforces fiscal responsibility within the industry.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would business owners be better off under this?-5
Large-scale agribusiness owners face new financial restrictions and stringent certification requirements to receive aid.
Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this?-5
The restrictions on dividends and equity repurchases negatively impact the liquidity and returns of large-scale corporate stakeholders.
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?-5
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Accountability for Large Corporations: The bill requires "covered entities" to certify they will not pay dividends or repurchase equity for two years after receiving compensation (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 1). This ensures that taxpayer-funded money is used for operations rather than returning value to shareholders.
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Protection Against False Claims: The bill includes strict penalties for companies that lie about their financial necessity, including a requirement to repay the full amount with interest (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 3).
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Deterrence of Fraud: For certain companies, making a false statement can result in fines of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Financial Restrictions for Large Producers: Companies meeting the revenue and employee thresholds are prohibited from paying dividends or repurchasing equity for a 2-year period following receipt of compensation, unless required by a pre-existing contract (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 1).
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Increased Burden on Public and Private Equity Companies: Public companies and those owned by private equity must provide additional certifications stating that the compensation is necessary for operations and that they cannot access other sources of liquidity without significant detriment (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 2).
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Legal and Financial Risks: Entities that knowingly provide false statements regarding their economic necessity face potential imprisonment of up to 5 years and fines up to $1,000,000 (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+2Good For Billionaires-5Good For Business Owners-5Good For High Net Worth Individuals-5Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals-5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5Reduces Government Spending+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2
- 5/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3119-3120)
- Introduced in Senate