Tom Harkin: “Today with the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act by this overwhelming vote of 73 to 25, we have taken…”

“Today with the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act by this overwhelming vote of 73 to 25, we have taken momentous steps to help strengthen food safety in America. The Food Safety Modernization Act will bring America's food safety system into the 21st century. This bill gives the FDA the authority the agency needs to help protect America from foodborne illnesses. While this bill is a historic step forward in ensuring that our food supply is safe and protecting Americans from foodborne illnesses, we have to now ensure that the FDA has adequate resources to fulfill their profound responsibilities. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee and the entire Senate to ensure that they have the necessary resources to fulfill the provisions of this legislation. As the primary cosponsors of the bill, Senators Durbin and Gregg deserve a great deal of thanks for their outstanding leadership. This is the first time in 70 years we have ever had a major revision of our food safety laws.”