[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 111 (Thursday, July 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  FOOD QUALITY PROTECTION ACT OF 1996

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                               speech of

                      HON. BLANCHE LAMBERT LINCOLN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 1996

  Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 1627, the 
Food Quality Protection Act. As an original cosponsor of this 
legislation, I am pleased to see that Members from both sides of the 
aisle have come together in a bipartisan spirit to strengthen and 
update our Nation's food safety laws.
  When debating pesticide reform, it's easy for many to get lost in 
phases such as ``zero tolerance,'' ``negligible risk,'' and other 
technicalities. However, the issue is as simple as this: we must 
maintain a high-quality, abundant, and safe food supply to protect our 
Nation's most vulnerable population--our children.
  Mr. Speaker, the Delaney clause has become outdated, and it is high-
time that we replace these laws which are based on science and 
technology from the 1950's which laws based on modern science. I 
support H.R. 1627 which makes this reform. The bill includes the 
recommendation of the National Academy of Sciences regarding both the 
negligible risk standard for carcinogens and additional protection of 
infants and children which are based on sound scientific principles.
  Mr. Speaker, reform of the Nation's pesticide laws has been a 
priority of mine since coming in Congress. I am pleased that we have 
worked together on this legislation which will maintain America's 
superior food supply while most importantly, protecting and promoting 
the health of our citizens. Our Nation's farmers, consumers, and 
especially our children deserve no less.

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