[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 116 (Monday, July 18, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2015

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to S. 
764. Although I support a uniform national set of standards relating to 
GMOs and food labels, I do not believe that this legislation adequately 
balances the competing interests at stake.
  On the one hand, most scientists agree that GMO seeds and foods are 
safe for consumption. At the same time, a majority of Americans have 
consistently stated that they want to know if their food contains GMOs. 
Supporters of more comprehensive food labeling have argued that this 
bill contains large loopholes that would keep many consumers in the 
dark. Unfortunately, not a single hearing was held on this bill to 
listen to the competing perspectives and recommendations. I am also 
disappointed that on such a controversial and important subject, 
members were not given the opportunity to offer any amendments.
  I am concerned that a hastily written and passed federal bill will 
now preempt state laws that seek to provide their consumers with more 
comprehensive and readily accessible information. While I do not 
believe that an inconsistent patchwork of individual state regulations 
is the long term answer, I do believe we could improve on the 
provisions of this bill.

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