Political Quotes

“I am pleased to be joined by Senators Collins, Schumer, Sanders and Gillibrand as we introduce this legislation to hold accountable those criminals who fraudulently sell what they call ``maple'' syrup. Vermont iconic maple syrup--painstakingly produced, and prized across the Nation and beyond--is one of our state's fine, high-quality, natural products. I have been alarmed by the growing number of individuals and businesses claiming to sell genuine Vermont maple syrup when they are in fact selling an inferior product that is not maple syrup at all. This is fraud, plain and simple, and it undermines a key part of Vermont's economy and reputation for quality that has been hard-earned through Vermonters' hard work. I know that diligent syrup producers in Maine, New York, and other States have been similarly hurt by this crime. Our bill, the Maple Agriculture Protection and Law Enforcement, or ``MAPLE''Act, will deter this criminal conduct. The MAPLE Act creates a felony offense with a 5-year maximum penalty for fraudulently selling a product purported to be maple syrup that is not, in fact, maple syrup. Under current law, doing so is only a misdemeanor offense with a one year penalty. The sale of fraudulent maple syrup is a real problem facing consumers and producers. Recently, Vermont U.S.…”