[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1488-E1489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 2480, THE TRUTH IN FUR LABELING ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 28, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2480, 
the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2009. This bill will amend the Fur 
Products Labeling Act of 1951 to close the loophole that allows the 
sale of products containing a relatively small quantity of fur or fur 
that is valued at $150 or less.
  The current loophole denies consumers the right to know what their 
garment is really

[[Page E1489]]

made of. It may say ``faux'' but this may not be accurate. Consumers 
who may have allergies to fur or ethical objections to fur cannot make 
informed purchases. Our constituents have the right to know what they 
are purchasing and wearing.
  This bill was introduced in response to a series of investigations of 
fur products sold at major retailers across the country. This 
investigation found that a significant number of clothes designers and 
retailers were selling some fur-trimmed garments that were described as 
faux when actually they turned out to be real fur. This legislation is 
about transparency and providing consumers with accurate information on 
what they're buying.
  This legislation simply requires that fur-trimmed garments meet the 
same labeling standard already in place for fur garments of a higher 
dollar value. It does not affect the trade in any animal fur or the 
methods used to produce animal fur. The legislation also asks the 
Federal Trade Commission to review the Fur Products Name Guide and 
ensure accuracy and consistency of species names.
  I supported this legislation in the 110th Congress, and strongly 
support it today.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to strongly add my support to H.R. 2480, the 
Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2009.

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