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U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement today in opposition to legislation in the House that would make all food labeling requirements uniform across the nation. Under the legislation, states like New Jersey would see their own tougher requirements weakened under the federal legislation. Today, the House debated the legislation, but an actual vote is not expected until next week.
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4167, the National Uniformity for Food Act of 2005. I am opposed to this legislation for two reasons.
"First, and foremost, this legislation would completely eliminate any State or local food safety law that is not identical to requirements established by the FDA. Even laws that go beyond the federal requirements to protect their citizens would be pre-empted. For example, in my home state of New Jersey, a number of labeling requirements for milk, restaurant food safety and many other State laws would be completely negated, thereby placing the health and well-being of our citizens at increased risk. How is that good public policy?
"I also have to oppose this legislation for the way it has completely violated the legislative process. This bill has escaped any real scrutiny from the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over such food safety matters. No hearings were held, no witnesses were called to testify, and no effort was made to determine the actual impact this bill will have on the safety of our nation's food supply. It is clear that this bill was insufficiently reviewed and I fear that Congress is acting far too quickly to enact legislation that will have such sweeping affects.
"I believe improving the quality of our nation's food supply is one of the most important challenges facing Congress today. A vote for this legislation, however, would put consumers at increased risk. I urge my colleagues to vote no." |
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