Congressman Flood Secures Line Speed Trial Extension for Pork Producers, Calls for Permanent Solution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following news the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended the Time-Limited Trial for New Swine Inspection System for six pork processing plants.  

“I’m pleased the USDA extended the Time-Limited Trial for the time being, but pork processors across the country need more certainty beyond this three-month extension,” Rep. Flood said. “The trial has been very helpful because it’s shown increased line speeds don’t degrade workplace safety. The USDA needs to help processors operate at full capacity, so we can help deliver the food we need to feed America and the world.”  

Previously, Congressman Flood joined his colleagues to urge the USDA to extend the Time-Limited Trial for pork processing plants to run at increased line speeds in the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS.) The NSIS temporarily waived line speed limits at six establishments to collect data that would be used to evaluate the impact of increased line speed on workers. 

Two of the participating establishments in the Time-Limited Trial are located in Nebraska’s First Congressional District.