[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 107 (Friday, July 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2004

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                               speech of

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2003

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill, H.R. 2673:

  Mr. WU. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from Montana for yielding 
me time. I rise in strong support of this food labeling amendment.
  Opponents of this amendment argue complexity and delay. I offer 
simplicity and brevity.
  Last Congress, this body voted in support of country-of-origin food 
labeling. We voted in favor of labeling because it supports family 
farms, increases food safety, and gives customers the right to choose 
where their food comes from.
  Several decades ago, we created the strongest securities and 
financial industry in the world by asking for labeling and disclosure. 
This action was opposed tremendously by the financial industry at that 
time. Today, however, many segments of the securities industry support 
disclosure because it created a new and stronger industry.
  I firmly believe that consumer right-to-know is a good thing. I can 
look at the back of my tie and determine that it is made in America. I 
can look at the labeling in my suit and determine that it is made in 
America. If I go to the supermarket and buy a pound of hamburger, I 
cannot tell where that product came from.
  The opponents of this amendment want to keep me, and all American 
consumers in ignorance. That is wrong--wrong for America's family 
farmers and wrong for American consumers.
  Country of origin labeling helps family farms because, given a 
choice, most Americans will choose fresh foods grown domestically. In 
fact, numerous surveys and polls indicate that consumers overwhelmingly 
support country of origin labeling and will pay a market premium for 
U.S. products. Labeling provides additional product information, 
increased consumer choice and fulfills a desire to support American 
agriculture. In addition, country of origin labeling addresses the 
heightened concerns of consumers regarding the recent discovery of mad 
cow disease in Canada.
  The United States produces the most abundant, most affordable, and 
safest food in the world. Country of Origin Labeling gives American 
consumers the ability to choose food from places that they know and 
trust. It also gives family farmers recognition for the tremendous job 
they do producing safe, quality agricultural products.

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