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For immediate release - Wednesday, January 22, 2003. Contact Bob Brammer - 515-281-6699. |
Statement of Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller
on the Federal Court Finding Unconstitutional
Iowa's Ban on Packers Controlling Swine Feeding Operations
January 22, 2003
Following is a statement of Attorney General Tom Miller:
We are disappointed in the Court's ruling. We argued strongly that Iowa's law is constitutional, that it makes no distinction between in-state and out-of-state swine processors, and that the Legislature's stated purpose - "to preserve free and private enterprise, prevent monopoly, and also to protect consumers" - is legitimate and not discriminatory.
We are studying the decision, but we expect to appeal it to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Whether or not Iowa's law ultimately is nullified by the Courts upon appeal, the U.S. Congress should move toward a nationwide ban on packers owning hogs. Congress has clear authority to act, and to act in all states. It should do so now.
Click here for Judge Robert Pratt's Ruling January 22, 2003.
[End of statement.]
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