On the recordFebruary 12, 2016
I thank the distinguished gentlewoman. I also thank my good friend. I will move as quickly as I possibly can. Mr. Chairman, these legislative issues are important to us, and we realize that there is a difference of opinion. So I don't come to the floor harking with great adversity, but I do come with a reasonable response to my opposition to H.R. 2017 in terms of its overall impact. So I would like to say that it is overly broad in its approach to address narrower concerns from the pizza industry and other food establishments that are better resolved through guidance. The bill will reduce the likelihood that consumers will receive clear and consistent calorie information at chain food service establishments, and the bill weakens an important tool intended to help Americans make informed food choices at a time when obesity and other nutrition-related health problems are at crisis. Our constituents have gotten used to seeing the calorie content. They look for it. They want transparency. Obviously, Americans eat less than the recommended amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products, and oil. Although we are not the Big Brother, we have to create opportunities for such. I live in communities where there are food deserts. More than 23 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, live in food deserts, areas that are more than a mile away from a supermarket.…
