Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this legislation, H.R. 3082, the continuing resolution. Among many other issues, I object to the inclusion of Senate language from S. 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act. Let me be clear: I believe our nation has the safest food supply in the world. I also believe we must continually examine our food production and regulatory system and move forward with changes that improve food safety. This legislation is the product of a flawed process. It will lead to huge regulatory burdens on our nation's farmers and ranchers. It will raise the cost of food for our consumers, and it contains very little that will actually contribute to the goal of safer food. It gives the Food and Drug Administration lots of additional authorities with no accountability. In fact, with the inclusion of the so-called Tester amendment, some argue that it is a step backwards. My concerns about the legislation are not limited to the unforgiveable process. There are serious public policy concerns as well. The Tester amendment is an illustrative example. Intended to shield small and local producers from the burdens of the new food safety law, it is opposed by virtually all of the major organizations representing farmers and ranchers. Normally, these groups would be expected to support a provision that sought to protect their farmers and ranchers.…”