On the recordJuly 14, 2016
While I am fully supportive of a national standard to label genetically modified (GMO) foods, I am unable to support S. 764, the GMO Food Labeling Requirements bill. Although this bill takes an important step toward federal preemption, it does so at the expense of consumer transparency and safety. For example, S. 764 falls short of providing a robust definition of ``bioengineering'', which will exempt the majority of GMO foods from being properly labeled. Additionally, this bill will hurt the most vulnerable among us. The provision to include ``digital labeling'' will withhold valuable information about GMO foods from rural, low-income and elderly Americans who are less likely to own a smart phone or have access to the internet. That's over 50 percent of rural and 65 percent of elderly people who will not be able to access the consumer information they need. Mr. Speaker, American consumers deserve the best information available when it comes to food choices that they make for themselves and their families. We must continue to address this vital issue because all consumers deserve the right to know what is in their food and how it's grown. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Graves of Louisiana). All time for debate has expired. Pursuant to House Resolution 822, the previous question is ordered. The question is on the motion by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Conaway). The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
