Reposted from: https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/opinions/virginia-s-consumer-protection-laws-at-risk/article_3bbc6a44-84ad-11ee-902a-dfaa97aa7726.html
November 17, 2023
This week, our attention in Fairfax County has been very focused on the election of our representatives in the Virginia General Assembly. It’s a reminder of how important our role as citizens is, a role that is so relevant not just at elections, but year-round, at the local, state, and federal levels.
Right now, an extremely dangerous and misleading bill has been introduced in the U.S. Congress, known as the “Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression” (or “EATS”) Act. But this bill has nothing to do with ending trade suppression and, if passed, could instead reverse countless laws protecting both animals and consumers, in Virginia and around the country. Some of the laws under attack include ones regulating puppy mills and factory farms; laws that reflect the interest of our citizens in Virginia to protect animals from abuse; and even food safety, environmental, and child labor regulations.
The threat is urgent because members of the House and Senate will soon be considering this bill. Fortunately, there is still time to kill this bill before it becomes law, but it will take constituents like you and me reaching out to our elected officials. Please join me in calling Senators Warner and Kaine and your representative in the House, and strongly urge them to oppose the EATS Act (bill numbers S.2019/H.4417) or any related legislation and ensure it is not enacted as part of the Federal Farm Bill or any other package. Our right to protect our interests in Virginia depends on it.