Political Quotes

“I rise today to introduce a bill, along with Senator Ensign, to establish a Chief Veterinary Officer within the Department of Homeland Security. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation advances increased focus on veterinary health, food defense, and agricultural security within the Department of Homeland Security. Importantly, it does this without creating an additional layer of management within the Department. Animal disease and zoonotic outbreaks are a looming threat to the United States. A major foreign animal disease outbreak, such as foot- and-mouth disease, could have far-reaching effects, threatening our food supply and harming both domestic commerce and international trade. This bill would strengthen the Department's capacity to prepare for and respond to such a crisis by ensuring that there is a veterinary leader within the Department who is fully prepared and empowered to respond.”