South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson teaming up with Texas Representative Henry Cuellar have introduced the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption For Certain Transitions Act legislation. The measure allows state inspected meat to be sold across state lines. South Dakota Pork Producers Council President Craig Andersen says the timing of the introduction is good in that it will help especially smaller meat processors dealing with the pandemic induced backlog of animals.

He says another reason this legislation is needed is so that pork and beef producers and others can donate meat to charities and still meet inspection regulations.

Andersen says having support for the measure from both sides of the aisle should help its passage and the fact the pandemic has hit all meat sectors of agriculture is another reason the measure must be approved.

South Dakota’s Mike Rounds has already introduced a similar bill in the Senate.