[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 106 (Thursday, July 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2003

  Mr. MOORE. Mr. Chairman, on July 14, 2003, my plane was delayed 
during rollcall votes 354, 355, 356, and 357; had I been present to 
vote, I would have voted ``nay'', ``aye'', ``nay'', and ``aye'', 
respectively. Please let the Record reflect how I would have voted.
  I voted `'nay'' on rollcall vote 354, but I would like to share my 
support for country of origin labeling, though I have concerns 
regarding the cost of the program and its current ability to be 
implemented. In 2000, the Government Accounting Office studied the 
question and found that ``it is difficult to quantify the cost of 
labeling meat by country-of-origin or to put a value on the potential 
benefits.'' Allowing voluntary labeling of the meat industry for one 
more year will allow the United States Department of Agriculture time 
to streamline the implementation process. Producers meanwhile will be 
able to voluntarily label their meat and consumers will be able to pick 
which meat they prefer.