The agreement between the United Egg Producers and the Humane Society of the United States would put a stop to cage-free poultry initiatives in Oregon and Minnesota, if Congress acts. But, two key leaders in Congress have put up a roadblock to Congressional Action. Neither the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Representative Frank Lucas of Oklahoma nor the top Democrat, Representative Collin Peterson of Minnesota, has embraced such a bill.

Oregon Representative Kurt Schrader has written a bill that animal rights groups say – would bring about more humane treatment for egg-laying hens. So far, beef and pork producers and the Turkey Federation have voiced their objections to the bill. Kirstina Butts, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s chief lobbyist, says – this legislation opens a Pandora’s Box on Capitol Hill. While this bill currently only applies to the egg industry, it’s not a far stretch to see it applied to all animal agriculture.