[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 75 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF A HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION FOOD QUALITY PROTECTION 
                               ACT (FQPA)

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                            HON. RAY LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 1998

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a House Concurrent 
Resolution calling for heightened Congressional oversight over the 
implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). As you know, 
Mr. Speaker, FQPA was unanimously enacted in the 104th Congress with 
bipartisan support. By its enactment, congress intended to ensure the 
use of sound science in federal regulation of pesticides, replace the 
``Delaney Clause'' with a unified standard, and institute workable 
protections of infants and children. FQPA's enactment was hailed, by 
Republicans and Democrats alike, as a remarkable bipartisan effort, 
after more than a decade of effort. The implementation of FQPAs goal 
ensures that the proper use of safe pesticides is a critical element in 
protecting public health and making for a safe, abundant, and 
affordable supply of food. Conclusively, FQPA provided the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with wide latitude to adapt its 
regulatory system to incorporate constantly improving scientific 
information as it becomes available.
  Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, EPA's interpretation of Congressional 
intent has many in production agriculture calling for increased 
oversight of EPA actions. Congress never intended nor expected FQPA to 
result in major disruptions to U.S. agriculture or other activities 
which require pest control tools. EPA's actions have also led many to 
conclude that EPA was proceeding with unilateral cancellations of some 
pesticides which could harm the production of certain crops on millions 
of acres of U.S. crophand.
  As grower concerns heightened, the Administration responded with a 
Memorandum to both the EPA and the USDA. The ``Memo'' outlined four 
principals which would guide EPA and USDA as they work together on FQPA 
implementation. The four principals are: Sound Science in Protecting 
Public Health: Transparency: Reasonable Transition for Agriculture; and 
Consultation with the Public and Other Agencies.
  While the effort is laudable and has produced new dialogue, Mr. 
Speaker, it is time, once again, for Congress to make its wishes known 
on this truly historic legislative achievement. Consequently, I am 
introducing a House Concurrent Resolution (H. Con. Res.) incorporating 
the goals of the ``Memo'', along with other guiding principals. The 
Resolution is meant to re-affirm Congress' commitment to a fair FQPA 
implementation. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the support of my colleagues and 
for its eventual adoption.

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