[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 78 (Wednesday, June 5, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H3108-H3109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
U.S. SUGAR REFORM
(Mr. LATTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the need for
reforming our current sugar program. This uncompetitive, outdated
policy is stunting job creation and is harmful to families, candy
companies, and food manufacturers that are forced to pay a higher cost
for any product made with sugar. Recent data suggests that without
reform, the program puts 600,000 jobs in the sugar-using industries at
risk. I became all-too-aware of this negative economic impact during a
visit at a leading confectioner located in my district.
Headquartered in Bryan, Ohio, Spangler Candy Company is a family-
owned business that has been providing consumers with Dum Dums, candy
canes, and other confections since 1906. This company currently has
over 400 employees, but if it could purchase sugar at world market
prices, instead of at an inflated price, the number of
[[Page H3109]]
employees would be closer to 600. That is a difference of 200
manufacturing jobs in a single midwestern town. Imagine the positive
economic growth that would result from sugar reform nationwide. I am an
original cosponsor of H.R. 693, the Sugar Reform Act. Reform to the
sugar program will restore fairness in the sugar market, encourage
investment, and spur job creation in our local communities.
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