This bill, titled the "Ending Taxpayer Support for Big Egg Producers Act," amends the Animal Health Protection Act to establish new conditions for federal indemnification. It introduces the concept of a "covered entity," defined as a person or its affiliates with over $100,000,000 in annual revenue and more than 1,500 employees, including independent contractors. These entities, primarily large poultry producers, would face stricter requirements to receive compensation from the Secretary of Agriculture for poultry flocks affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza. To receive such compensation, all covered entities must certify they will not pay dividends on common stock or repurchase equity securities for a two-year period following the aid, unless pre-existing contractual obligations dictate otherwise. Furthermore, private equity-owned businesses and public companies that are covered entities must provide additional certifications. They must attest that current economic uncertainty necessitates the compensation for ongoing operations and that they cannot access other sufficient liquidity without significant detriment. Knowingly making false statements on these certifications can result in repayment of the full amount with interest, and potentially imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $1,000,000.
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Timeline
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3119-3120)
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3119-3120)
Agriculture and Food
Ending Taxpayer Support for Big Egg Producers Act
USA119th CongressS-1904| Senate
| Updated: 5/22/2025
This bill, titled the "Ending Taxpayer Support for Big Egg Producers Act," amends the Animal Health Protection Act to establish new conditions for federal indemnification. It introduces the concept of a "covered entity," defined as a person or its affiliates with over $100,000,000 in annual revenue and more than 1,500 employees, including independent contractors. These entities, primarily large poultry producers, would face stricter requirements to receive compensation from the Secretary of Agriculture for poultry flocks affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza. To receive such compensation, all covered entities must certify they will not pay dividends on common stock or repurchase equity securities for a two-year period following the aid, unless pre-existing contractual obligations dictate otherwise. Furthermore, private equity-owned businesses and public companies that are covered entities must provide additional certifications. They must attest that current economic uncertainty necessitates the compensation for ongoing operations and that they cannot access other sufficient liquidity without significant detriment. Knowingly making false statements on these certifications can result in repayment of the full amount with interest, and potentially imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $1,000,000.