Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA) has introduced legislation (HR 4284) making it unlawful for a meat packer to own or feed livestock intended for slaughter.  Congressman Braley said, “The increasing consolidation of the meat packing industry has put downward pressure on livestock prices, which in turn hurts Iowa farmers.  Now, meat packers have been looking toward vertical integration to stifle competition.”  Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate earlier this year by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tim Johnson (D-SD).