While U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, supports the concept, the Senate bill's language could prove too restrictive, he said, denying states flexibility in conducting meat inspections.

The measure would allow for state-inspected meats to cross state lines on the condition there is federal oversight of the plants.

"As written, the Senate bill could diminish the benefit to small businesses in Kansas and other states."

Moran noted, however, that meat subject to state inspectors is consumed every day in the United States with little risk to human health.

"There is no reason state-inspected meat that complies with existing health standards should not be allowed to be shipped throughout the U.S., especially when imported meats are currently afforded that luxury."

Various interest groups working on the meat shipment issue announced they had reached a compromise on Tuesday. A House version of the bill also opened a path to interstate shipment of state-inspected meats, but with fewer restrictions.