The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), in a scalding news release today, strongly condemned Senate leaders for rejecting consideration of an animal welfare amendment to the farm bill last night.

Senate leaders spurned consideration of amendment #2252, the “Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012.” The HSUS seeks to codify an agreement with the United Egg Producers (UEP) to nearly double the size of space allotted to egg-laying hens.

This proposed legislation is strongly opposed by NPPC, which said it would set a dangerous precedent to allow federal lawmakers to regulate on-farm production practices.

The amendment was filed as an amendment to the Senate 2012 Farm Bill by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

NPPC is asking its members to call their senators to urge them to oppose the egg bill.

NPPC is also urging senators to vote against amendments that seek to end all commodity checkoff programs and defund foreign market development and market access programs.