[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2177-E2178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  FOOD SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHELE BACHMANN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reluctant support of H.R. 
2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. While I support the 
legislation, it is by no means perfect and it is my sincere hope that 
the concerns I share with my colleagues in the House will be addressed 
as the bill moves through the legislative process.
  Ensuring the safety of America's food supply is a critical issue, 
which warrants our utmost attention. In light of recent outbreaks of 
food-borne illnesses that have caused sickness and death in our 
country, I believe it is imperative the action be taken to restore 
confidence to the American people in the food they eat. This task 
requires careful analysis of our current food supply dynamic, as well 
as thoughtful consideration of implications of any potential solutions. 
Our constituents deserve no less.

[[Page E2178]]

  Indeed, every link in the food supply chain from the farm to the 
shelf plays a valuable role in delivering a safe product to consumers, 
and I believe each link requires flexibility in order to continue to 
provide high-quality, competitively priced goods to American consumers. 
A dutiful producer should expect unwarranted government intrusion no 
more than a consumer should expect their next meal will make them sick.
  The detrimental consequences of an overly onerous federal government 
and bureaucratic red-tape must be carefully weighed against the need 
for regulation to ensure safe foods. That being said, H.R. 2749 does 
attempt to find a balance. As a result, the bill has earned the support 
of a wide range of stakeholders from farm groups to distributors.
  Madam Speaker, while I stress the importance of continued work to 
improve the bill, I support its passage and urge my colleagues to do 
the same.

                          ____________________