A federal judge in Michigan just threw out a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit targeting Michigan’s law that requires egg-laying hens to have enough space. The court ruled the federal government didn’t have standing to bring the case. The decision follows a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld a similar California law, Proposition 12.

Now Congress could undo what voters, state lawmakers, and the courts have already settled. A provision called the “Save Our Bacon Act” would stop states from enforcing their own farm animal housing standards on livestock raised in other states. The U.S. House passed it as part of its Farm Bill. The Senate Agriculture Committee’s first draft left it out, but it could still be added back before a final deal.

Laws like Proposition 12 passed because people wanted farm animals treated with basic decency. Animal welfare advocates also raise food safety concerns: when disease spreads through crowded flocks, millions of birds can be killed, and taxpayers often help cover the cost. The industry is already changing, too. According to Animal Wellness Action, the share of U.S. laying hens in cage-free housing has grown from about 4% in 2010 to roughly 46% today, backed by billions of dollars in investment from egg producers.

This isn’t a left or right issue. It’s about whether states and their voters get to decide how farm animals are treated, and whether farmers who already made the switch get the rug pulled out from under them.

The U.S. Senate should keep the “Save Our Bacon Act” out of the final Farm Bill and respect the state laws voters and legislatures chose.

Sign the petition to tell the Senate to reject the “Save Our Bacon Act” before a final Farm Bill deal is made.