Jim Costa: “I know the great work that Chairman Dingell did on this effort. Unfortunately, I cannot support the continuing…”

“I know the great work that Chairman Dingell did on this effort. Unfortunately, I cannot support the continuing resolution food safety effort. The good work we did here in the House that was sent over to the Senate, the Senate amendments make it a flawed measure. This process should be based on science and not based on miles and sales. For those reasons, I, unfortunately, will oppose the resolution. I rise today to reluctantly oppose the Continue Resolution and attached Food Safety bill. Unfortunately leadership has chosen to attach a gravely-flawed food safety bill to this continuing resolution which I cannot support. Don't misunderstand--I am a huge supporter of food safety reform, I have worked on for almost 4 years. However--the Senate poisoned our efforts by attaching arbitrary exemptions that ignore risk and leave gaping holes in our food safety system--through the Tester amendment. I wholeheartedly support protecting our family farmers--ensuring that they are not overburdened with paperwork and regulation. But this process should be based on science--not based on miles and sales, therefore I am voting no.”