Save Our Bacon Act and Chinese influence (with Christina Ruffini)

Talk about the gestation crates, what they are, and the legislation to stop their use.

Christina Ruffini

Nicholas Kristof

Gestation crates are tiny crates where pregnant sows cannot turn around, never see the sun, or set foot on the ground. Voters in Massachusetts and California passed ballot measures banning the sale of pork raised this way by huge majorities.

There is a separate argument for birthing crates to protect piglets, but none for gestation crates.

What does the 'Save Our Bacon' bill do, and who is backing it?

Christina Ruffini

Nicholas Kristof

The bill would overturn the state laws, arguing one state cannot tell others how to raise pigs. It was snuck into the must-pass Agriculture Bill and passed the House. There is now a big fight in the Senate.

The pork industry says the laws would make pork more expensive, which is true because the current system is incredibly efficient at holding down prices, but at a real cost for pigs and humans.

Smithfield Farms is owned by a Chinese corporation. What is the concern about foreign influence?

Christina Ruffini

Nicholas Kristof

This has resonated with conservatives. The basic feeling is: why should we privilege a major Chinese company (with murky ties to the Chinese state) over US voters? This is a clear confrontation between the will of voters and the profits of a major overseas company.

Liberals and conservatives have come together on the humanity issue and the structural issue of foreign influence.

Are IAEA folks expected at the G7? Could European leaders suggest restarting inspections?

Christina Ruffini

Josh Wingrove

We're simply not in a position to know what the US is seeking on inspections. G7s have been bumpy for Trump - he bailed on Canada early, there was the Merkel photo. The Europeans are coming with a proposal on helping clear the Strait of Hormuz, but Trump may see it as too little too late.

Step 1 of a multi-stage deal seems to be reopening the strait. The Americans recently started saying they've been helping ships get through safely, but there's debate on how much of that is verified.

What does the White House hope to get out of the Zelenskyy meeting?

David Gura

Josh Wingrove

The hopes are on the other side. Trump has washed his hands of the conflict. The Europeans hope to remind him of the Ukrainian perspective and hope he doesn't give explicit blessing to continuation of the conflict. Even the G6 are going in with modest expectations.

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