[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 16 (Friday, January 26, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S1239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. THOMAS (for himself, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Thune. Mr. Grassley, 
        Mr. Tester, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Dorgan Mr.Enzi, and Mr. Conrad):
  S. 404. A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to 
require the implementation of country of origin labeling requirements 
by September 30, 2007; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I rise to introduce a bill that is of 
great importance to livestock producers and consumers in my home State 
of Wyoming, and to people across the Nation. My bill would expedite the 
implementation of mandatory country of origin labeling, or COOL, for 
beef and other agricultural products, and set that date at September 
30, 2007. I am pleased that Senator Baucus joins me in this effort, as 
does Senator Thune, Senator Grassley, Senator Tester, Senator Bingaman, 
Senator Dorgan, Senator Enzi, and Senator Conrad.
  Consumers drive our economy, and it is important that we provide them 
relevant information about the products they are purchasing. U.S. 
consumers overwhelmingly support mandatory COOL. They have a right to 
know where their food comes from. Labeling provides more product 
information, increased consumer choice, and the chance to support 
American agriculture. Labeling also allows our producers to distinguish 
their superior products. Trade is not going away. With increased trade 
comes an increase in the importance of country of origin labeling. Many 
nations already label food and other products--including the United 
States. If it is good enough for T-shirts, it ought to be good enough 
for T-bones.
  Mandatory COOL was signed into law with the 2002 Farm Bill. I was an 
original supporter of COOL during the Farm Bill debate, and I have 
become increasingly frustrated with efforts to delay its 
implementation. The latest delay was inserted into the Fiscal Year 2006 
Agriculture Appropriations bill, and I voted against the bill for that 
reason.
  Producers and consumers have waited long enough for country of origin 
labeling. It is high time we make it happen.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no ojection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 704

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Country of Origin Labeling 
     Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 2. APPLICABILITY OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       Section 285 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 
     U.S.C. 1638d) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2008'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2007''.

  Mr. TESTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
cosponsoring the implementation of country of origin labeling 
requirements for food sold in the United States. Congress originally 
passed country of origin labeling in the 2002 farm bill, but has twice 
voted to delay its implementation. Country-of-origin labeling is good 
for American consumers; it is good for our farmers and ranchers, and 
the time to implement it is now.
  American farmers and ranchers raise the highest quality agricultural 
goods in the world. Country of origin labeling benefits farmers and 
ranchers by allowing them to market their world-famous products and 
consumers who deserve to know where their food comes from.
  Any American consumer can look at the tag on their shirt or under the 
hood of their car and know where it was made. But when meats and 
produce move into the market place, their origin often becomes a 
mystery. Considering the importance of food to our health and safety, 
the growth of our children, and the livelihood of our farmers and 
ranchers, we should have as much information about the origin of our 
food as possible.
  When I was president of the Montana Senate in 2005, I helped lead the 
fight to pass and implement country of origin labeling because Congress 
had failed to act. In Montana we are particularly proud of the quality 
of our agricultural products, and of the people who raise them. Our 
clean air and water, well preserved natural environment, and modern 
agricultural practices make consumers want to buy Montana meats, fruits 
and vegetables. Our State government has given consumers the 
information and the choice to purchase American raised products through 
country of origin labeling.
  As a dry land farmer from Big Sandy, Montana I know how challenging 
it is to be successful in agriculture. American farmers and ranchers 
need all the tools they can get. We no longer compete only with our 
local neighbors. We compete internationally with South America, Asia, 
Australia and New Zealand. Country of origin labeling adds value in the 
market place that was already added by being grown on American farms 
and ranches.
  American consumers will make choices to support our domestic industry 
and sometimes pay a premium to know that their food comes from the 
United States. They support American agriculture with its high-quality 
standards, where money made stays in our rural communities and in the 
hands of American farmers and ranchers instead of going overseas. The 
benefits of country of origin labeling are great, the costs are little 
and consumers have demanded it. Congress needs to take the next step 
and implement the program.
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