On the recordJune 21, 2012
first I want to thank the Senator from Vermont for his wonderful leadership on so many issues in this bill. I must, reluctantly, ask for a ``no'' vote. Consumers certainly need to have available information. We need to make sure it is accurate, according to the FDA, after they determine that. I would make one other point: American farmers are feeding the world, with 7 billion mouths to feed. This is harder every day. Science and innovation are very important to that. Recently, I talked with Bill Gates, with the Gates Foundation, for example, which is doing incredible work around the globe: with drought- resistant crops in Africa, with innovative rice in the Philippines and Bangladesh, and so on. This is an issue that needs to be thoroughly studied to make sure we are not hurting those efforts. I know the chairman of the HELP Committee has asked that we not do this. It is within his jurisdiction. Madam President, I yield time now to Senator Roberts.
