October 05, 2026 | Source: Congressman Thomas Massie

Washington, D.C.- Today, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced the Red Meat Inspection Exemption Act (RMIEA). The bill allows qualifying small farmers to slaughter and process their own livestock for direct-to-consumer sale without federal interference. Similar inspection exemptions already exist for poultry producers. Rep. Massie’s legislation fulfills a promise that President Trump made in August “to allow Farmers and Ranchers to be given the right to PROCESS THEIR OWN FOOD.”

“Americans are concerned about the rising cost of red meat and are looking for solutions that will lower prices,” said Rep. Thomas Massie. “The Red Meat Inspection Exemption Act will reduce the regulatory burden placed on small meat producers and enhance their ability to sell directly to local consumers. President Trump announced this great idea, but pressure from the international meat packing lobby and limits on executive power prevent him from making good on his promise. It’s up to Congress to change the law and deliver relief to American farmers and ranchers. Under U.S. law, poultry farmers are already allowed to process their own birds, so why not let small-scale livestock farmers do the same?”