[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 83 (Friday, May 17, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H3930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  BUY CERTIFIED AMERICAN-GROWN FLOWERS

  (Mr. CARBAJAL asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance 
of buying American-grown flowers.
  Whether it is celebrating a wedding or graduation, or sending 
condolences, flowers have been used to mark significant occasions for 
thousands of years.
  I have seen the value this industry adds to our economy and 
communities during my visits with our hardworking central coast farmers 
and workers. The cut flower industry generates thousands of jobs and 
produces $1.2 billion in economic activity each year through flower 
farmers, distributors, and florists.
  California grows an astonishing 75 percent of American-grown flowers, 
yet only a fraction of the flowers sold across the country were grown 
here. That must change.
  This week, Senator Feinstein and I introduced a resolution to 
designate July as American Grown Flower Month and to encourage 
consumers to buy flowers with the ``Certified American Grown'' label.
  By passing H.R. 379, we will honor the beauty this industry brings to 
our homes year-round and help keep our American-grown flower industry 
prosperous.
  I urge my colleagues to join us in this effort.

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