RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- The message to cattle producers from DC officials is twofold – progress is being made, and the Senate is hearing your concerns.

The Meat Packing Special Investigator Act, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds, has moved out of the Senate Ag committee. It would establish the office of the special investigator for competition matters within the USDA Packers and Stockyard Division.

Rounds explained what this office would look like, assuming this bill were to pass.

Rounds says it’s an area that needs focus.

The bill moves next to the Senate floor and would still need to pass the House before potentially becoming law.