Senate Republicans Push to Lower Egg Prices
Senate Republicans are aiming to reduce egg prices by relaxing certain regulations amidst rising affordability concerns in the U.S.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) is set to propose a bill that would modify federal egg handling rules, allowing a larger quantity of eggs into the market, which is hoped to drive down costs for households.
His proposal, titled the Egg Price Reduction Act of 2025, would revise existing federal regulations to facilitate the diversion of surplus broiler hatching eggs—those initially meant for broiler chicken production—into the food supply as pasteurized liquid egg products.
“Consumers in Arkansas are facing steep egg prices and shortages, largely due to bureaucratic hurdles that result in millions of usable eggs being wasted each year,” Cotton shared. “This legislation aims to ease these restrictions and help cut egg prices.”
The bill would mandate the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to amend egg regulations, allowing hatching eggs to contribute to the food supply as liquid egg products, thereby potentially increasing egg availability.
Historically, egg prices saw a significant rise from late last year to early this year, peaking at over $6 per dozen by March. However, prices have been declining recently, thanks in part to efforts by President Trump’s administration to mitigate the impacts of bird flu.
When bird flu surfaces in a hatchery, it’s not uncommon for entire flocks to be culled to prevent the spread, which can severely disrupt the supply chain and raise prices further.
This year, numerous lawsuits have targeted egg producers for alleged price-fixing, with the Trump administration notably taking legal action against California, accusing the state of inflating egg prices through cumbersome regulations.
While the egg market has shown signs of improvement, with the USDA reporting a decline in prices, California has been an exception in some instances. Large white eggs, for example, have dropped about 17%, averaging $1.91 per dozen.
