Thank you Jared…..“I believe that everyone should know what is in their food, so that consumers can make informed choices.”
Jared Huffman sponsor of anti glyphosate bill HR 1783
The 2nd Congressional District of California is home to world-famous agricultural products, including some of the nation’s best wine grapes, pears and apples, as well as dairy and meats, which create jobs and feed our country. I am committed to protecting consumers, and those who work in the food industry, by fighting for policies that ensure the safety of our food.
Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a strong proponent of legislation that mandates labeling and fully disclosing nutrition facts. I believe that everyone should know what is in their food, so that consumers can make informed choices. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, to require that any foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients be labeled accordingly. I have also joined my colleagues in writing to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the importance of labeling genetically modified food.
Another food safety and public health concern is the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture, which contributes to the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Our food system should be making Americans healthier, not putting us at greater risk. That’s why I’m a cosponsor of the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act, which would limit the overuse of antibiotics on food animal farms. In the 115th Congress, I introduced H.R. 5627, the Farmers CARE Act, which would make reductions in antibiotic use an eligible conservation practice for farmers applying to grants in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
I am also focused on preventing the overuse of unsafe pesticides. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1783, the Keep Food Safe from Glyphosate Act of 2019, which would overturn the Trump administration’s decision to ignore glyphosate residues in food, and would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set more protective restrictions on glyphosate. Additionally, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 3380, the Pesticide Protection Act of 2017, which would require the EPA to end the use of chlorpyrifos as an agricultural pesticide. The EPA’s own chemical safety experts have determined that chlorpyrifos is acutely toxic to people, as well as to fish and wildlife, but political appointees at the EPA have denied a petition to ban its use in food production.
Thank you again for sharing your views on this issue. The people of California’s 2nd District are the most important voices I listen to while serving in Congress. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Jared Huffman
Member of Congress