On the recordJuly 23, 2015
I have stated at our two Energy and Commerce Committee hearings on this issue that I am sympathetic to the need for Federal legislation. It does not make sense to have a patchwork of food labeling requirements in different States. I also do not believe that genetically engineered foods are unsafe. If they were unsafe, they would not be allowed on the market. However, I acknowledge that the majority of consumers want foods made with genetically engineered ingredients to be labeled as such. They view this as a right-to-know issue. While I don't know of any scientific reason to require GE foods to be labeled differently than non-GE foods, I do not believe we will be engendering confidence in these foods if we pass H.R. 1599. I feel that by preempting State right-to-know laws without creating any national labeling requirement, this legislation will be seen by most consumers as an attempt by Congress and Washington to prevent them from knowing which foods have GE ingredients, and therefore, I intend to vote against the bill. However, I also understand why others think this bill is important and will vote for it. Obviously, it is up to any Member to decide for him or herself how this affects constituents in their own districts and vote accordingly.
