Sanford Bishop: “I would like to express my thanks to the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and to the gentleman from New…”

“I would like to express my thanks to the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and to the gentleman from New Jersey for his comments in behalf of the committee of their willingness to help find a solution to the issue that serves as the basis for this point of order, these regulations. We have cotton, peanuts and pecans in my district, and we also have poultry. We have pork, and we have cattle operations. The decisions of the FDA have an enormous impact on the farmers in my district at many levels. Many of the producers in my district are worried about some of the conclusions that FDA seems to have reached regarding antibiotics. They're worried about what will come next. They conduct themselves every day with the best interests of their animals in mind. A healthy animal means healthy food for consumers. If there is scientific evidence that shows that current practices are not in the interest of public health, my farmers, of course, will change their practices, but there should and there must be clear evidence. Not unnecessary regulation. Certainly with the job situation today and the state of our economy, the FDA must be very careful, very precise, and very certain that any regulatory action they take is supported by scientific evidence. I very much welcome the involvement of the authorizing committee to help find a solution to this issue. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1710 The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will read.…”