[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H983-H986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PROTECTING AMERICA'S FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ACT OF 2019
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the
rules and pass the bill (S. 2107) to increase the number of CBP
Agriculture Specialists and support staff in the Office of Field
Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and for other
purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
S. 2107
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting America's Food
and Agriculture Act of 2019''.
SEC. 2. FINDING.
Congress finds that--
(1) it is in the national security interest of the United
States to ensure that the Nation's food supply is
sufficiently protected; and
(2) a vital part of such protection is the availability of
adequate resources at the border to conduct inspections of
incoming food and agricultural goods.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives; and
(D) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives.
(2) CBP.--The term ``CBP'' means U.S. Customs and Border
Protection.
SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION
PERSONNEL.
(a) CBP Agriculture Specialists.--The Commissioner of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection may hire, train, and assign 240
new CBP Agriculture Specialists above the current attrition
level during every fiscal year until the total number of CBP
Agriculture Specialists equals and sustains the requirements
identified each year in the Agriculture Resource Allocation
Model.
(b) Mission and Operational Support Staff.--
(1) In general.--The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection may hire, train, and assign support staff
to support CBP Agriculture Specialists.
(2) CBP agriculture technicians.--The Commissioner of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection may hire, train, and assign 200
new CBP Agriculture Technicians during each fiscal year until
the total number of CBP Agriculture Technicians equals and
sustains the requirements identified each year in the Mission
and Operational Support Resource Allocation Model.
(c) CBP Agriculture Canine Teams.--The Commissioner of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection may hire, train, and assign 20
new CBP agriculture canine teams during each of the first 3
fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(d) Traffic Forecasts.--In calculating the number of CBP
Agriculture Specialists needed at each port of entry through
the Agriculture Resource Allocation Model, the Office of
Field Operations shall--
(1) rely on data collected regarding the inspections and
other activities conducted at each such port of entry; and
(2) consider volume from seasonal surges, other projected
changes in commercial and passenger volumes, the most current
commercial forecasts, and other relevant information.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) CBP agriculture specialists.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out subsection (a)--
(A) $29,900,000 for fiscal year 2020;
(B) $36,100,000 for fiscal year 2021; and
(C) $40,500,000 for fiscal year 2022.
(2) CBP agriculture technicians.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out subsection (b)--
(A) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
(B) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; and
(C) $38,000,000 for fiscal year 2022.
(3) CBP agriculture canine teams.--There is authorized to
be appropriated to carry out subsection (c)--
(A) $3,500,000 for fiscal year 2020;
(B) $7,400,000 for fiscal year 2021; and
(C) $12,200,000 for fiscal year 2022.
(4) Training.--There is authorized to be appropriated for
training costs associated with the new CBP personnel and
canine teams hired pursuant to subsections (a), (b), and (c)
$6,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
SEC. 5. GAO STUDY, BRIEFING, AND REPORT.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States,
after consultation with the appropriate congressional
committees, shall conduct a review of the efforts of the
Department of Homeland Security, the Department of
Agriculture, and other Federal agencies to address risks to
the agricultural supply that analyzes--
(1) interagency coordination and the distribution of
responsibilities among Federal agencies with respect to the
inspection of agricultural commodities entering the United
States;
(2) the effectiveness of such inspection responsibilities
among Federal agencies; and
(3) the training provided to, and working conditions of,
CBP Agriculture Specialists.
(b) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief
the appropriate congressional committees regarding the
results of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a).
(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the briefing
required under subsection (b), the Comptroller General shall
complete the study required under subsection (a) and make the
results of the study available to the public.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
New Mexico (Ms. Torres Small) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Crenshaw) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Mexico.
General Leave
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their
remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from New Mexico?
There was no objection.
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Senator Peters' bill, the
Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019.
This bill comes at a time of crisis for America's agricultural
industry. Threats from illnesses abroad endanger the domestic pork
industry, while trade tensions have strained relationships with the
international consumers our Nation's farmers supply.
The African swine flu, ASF, is a particular threat. A devastating
illness that is still being studied, this flu has not made its way to
the United States, and steps are being taken to ensure that it does
not.
{time} 1545
Agricultural inspectors within U.S. Customs and Border Protection are
crucial in protecting our livestock and agricultural products from
potential disease outbreaks. They are charged with scanning all
incoming agricultural cargo and passengers to ensure that products are
not coming into the United States that are diseased or contain pests.
S. 2107 provides for the hiring of additional inspectors to augment
the workforce that is in place at our ports of entry. I commend Senator
Gary Peters for introducing this timely measure and also acknowledge my
[[Page H984]]
House colleague, Representative Filemon Vela, who introduced companion
legislation.
The need for greater agricultural inspection resources at the border
is critical. That is why stakeholders and leaders from across the
Nation have spoken out in support of S. 2107. The message from over 150
organizations that either produce pork or are involved in the industry
and the Governors from Utah, North Dakota, Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee,
Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma is
loud and clear: Get this bill to the President so it can be enacted
into law.
This level of support demonstrates the vital need to pass this
legislation with all possible haste. We must provide CBP with the
resources needed to ensure a continued vitality of the American
agricultural industry.
Today, we are protecting American pork. Tomorrow, it may be New
Mexican chiles. That is why this is so important.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve
the balance of my time.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Agriculture,
Washington, DC, February 3, 2020.
Hon. Bennie Thompson,
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thompson: This letter confirms our mutual
understanding regarding S. 2107, the ``Protecting America's
Food and Agriculture Act of 2019''. Thank you for
collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture on the
matters within its jurisdiction.
The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further
consideration of this bill so that it may proceed
expeditiously to the House floor. However, by foregoing
consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction
over the subject matter contained in this or similar
legislation. We request that our committee be consulted and
involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so
that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction.
Our committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of
an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate
conference involving this or similar legislation and ask that
you support any such request.
We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming
this understanding with respect to S. 2107, and request that
a copy of our letters on this matter be published in the
Congressional Record during Floor consideration.
Sincerely,
Collin C. Peterson,
Chairman.
____
Committee on Homeland Security,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC, February 3, 2020.
Hon. Collin Peterson,
Chairman, Committee on Agriculture,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Peterson: Thank you for your letter regarding
S. 2107, the ``Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act
of 2019.'' I recognize that the Committee on Agriculture has
a jurisdictional interest in S. 2107, and appreciate your
effort to allow this bill to be considered on the House
floor.
I concur with you that forgoing action on the bill does not
in any way prejudice the Committee on Agriculture with
respect to its jurisdictional prerogatives on this bill or
similar legislation in the future, and I would support your
effort to seek appointment of an appropriate number of
conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this
legislation.
I will include our letters on S. 2107 in the Congressional
Record during floor consideration of this bill. I look
forward to working with you on this legislation and other
matters of great importance to this nation.
Sincerely,
Bennie G. Thompson,
Chairman.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of S. 2107, the Protecting America's Food and
Agriculture Act of 2019.
As we know, much of the food and agricultural goods we consume come
from all over the world, whether it be fruit, vegetables, herbs, or cut
flowers.
As food and other agricultural goods arrive at our ports of entry,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agricultural specialists have a
tremendous responsibility. They inspect those products to safeguard the
U.S. food supply, the economy, and agriculture from potentially harmful
or dangerous pests, pathogens, invasive plants, and agroterrorism.
CBP has advised Congress that there are hundreds of agriculture-
related position vacancies at the agency on top of thousands of Border
Patrol, customs officer, and other law enforcement vacancies. S. 2107
encourages CBP to hire, train, and assign agriculture specialists and
associated support staff, technicians, and K-9 teams, and authorizes
appropriations to do so.
The bill requires CBP to consider quantifiable inspection data,
seasonal surge volumes, and projected changes in commercial forecasts
at each port of entry when determining staffing needs.
The bill also directs the Comptroller General to conduct a review of
Federal efforts to address risks to the agricultural supply that
analyzes interagency coordination, effectiveness of inspections, and
training and working conditions.
While I support this bill, I also encourage my colleagues to work
across the aisle to provide CBP with the resources necessary to fill
all of their sensitive position vacancies, including those at Border
Patrol.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support S. 2107, and I reserve
the balance of my time.
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for
yielding.
I rise in strong support of S. 2107, the Protecting America's Food
and Agriculture Act of 2019.
Americans are blessed to live in a country where, in most
communities, we can find healthy, fresh foods at our grocery stores.
That does not just happen. Our Nation's food supply and agricultural
industry make it happen.
As such, the agricultural industry is an indispensable sector of our
national economy. Every year, millions and millions of pounds of fresh
fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats enter the United States via
commercial shipments from other countries.
While this flow of agricultural trade is fundamental to our economy
and way of life, it does carry with it risk of importation diseases,
pests, and compromised products.
To address this risk, agricultural inspectors in the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection inspect incoming food and agricultural goods at our
land, air, and sea ports.
Additionally, these inspectors interview passengers on incoming
international flights to determine whether they are carrying prohibited
agricultural items, because even an accidental transmission of a
foreign pest or disease into our country could potentially devastate
our agricultural system.
With African swine flu rampant in Asia, accounting for the deaths of
millions of pigs as a result of disease, or to control this deadly
disease, it is critical that the U.S. have adequate inspection
resources in place.
S. 2107 would help ensure that we have agriculture inspectors in
place to perform this critical mission.
I commend my counterpart in the Senate Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Gary Peters, and my former
committee colleague Representative Filemon Vela for their leadership on
this timely effort.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this
measure and send this bill to the President's desk.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Bost).
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I rise today in support of S. 2107, which will help ensure the safety
and security of our agricultural imports.
The U.S. agriculture sector is a vitally important component of the
American economy. In my district alone, agriculture is responsible for
over 30,000 jobs and adds $2 billion to the economy.
In China, African swine fever has killed more hogs than the entire
U.S. herd combined. We must do everything we can to protect our
domestic herds against the same fate.
In authorizing more CBP agriculture specialists and K-9 teams at our
ports of entry, we can ensure the safety of our livestock while
preserving billions of dollars in potential losses to American
agriculture.
On behalf of thousands of livestock producers in my district, I urge
my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Vela).
[[Page H985]]
Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
I rise in support of S. 2107, the Protecting America's Food and
Agriculture Act of 2019. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this
crucial bill.
I introduced this important legislation in the U.S. House of
Representatives with support from Members of both sides of the aisle.
This bipartisan bill authorizes the hiring of additional agricultural
specialists, agricultural technicians, and agricultural K-9 teams at
our international ports of entry and has the support of nearly one
dozen Governors and over 150 agriculture and trade stakeholders across
this country.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters from Governors and
industry groups addressing their support for this bill.
State of Utah,
Office of the Governor,
Salt Lake City, UT, January 31, 2020.
Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Mike Rogers,
Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Rogers: I
appreciate your work leading the House Committee on Homeland
Security. I write today in support of H.R. 4482, Protecting
America's Food & Agriculture Act of 2019. The bill would
authorize funding to hire additional Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) personnel to help conduct Agriculture
Quarantine Inspection services at the United States' ports of
entry.
Utah has a robust agricultural sector, including a pork
industry that is an important part of our state's economy. We
are genuinely concerned about the potential impact of
agricultural pests and diseases, including African Swine
Fever. The Fever has not yet impacted the United States, but
is wreaking havoc in other parts of the world and would pose
a significant threat to the U.S. pork industry.
Through regional and national partnerships, we spend
considerable effort as a state to detect and combat diseases
and prevent outbreaks. However we need the federal
government's support to prevent disease transmissions from
foreign sources.
Thank you again for your work, and please let me know if
can be helpful.
Sincerely,
Gary R. Herbert,
Governor.
____
February 5, 2020.
Chairman Bennie G. Thompson,
House of Representatives, House Committee on Homeland
Security, Washington, DC.
Ranking Member Mike Rogers,
House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Rogers: We the
undersigned Governors request that the Committee on Homeland
Security swiftly report out without amendment H.R. 4482,
Protecting America's Food & Agriculture Act of 2019. This
bill authorizes funding to hire additional Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) personnel which are critically needed to
conduct Agriculture Quarantine Inspection services at the
Unites States' ports of entry. The Senate version of this
bill, S. 2107, has been approved by the Senate by unanimous
consent and we are hopeful that it will be placed on the
House suspension calendar.
The U.S. agriculture sector is vital to the American
economy, generating over $1 trillion in annual economic
activity. Threats to the vitality of American agriculture
present a danger to economic security at the local and state
level across our nation. Indeed, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture has calculated that foreign agricultural pests
and diseases already cost the American economy tens of
billions of dollars annually. We must vigilantly protect our
borders against diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF),
which has killed more than one out of every four pigs on the
planet and would have a devastating impact on U.S. livestock
producers, their communities, and the economy if it were to
reach the USA.
CBP employees perform critically important agricultural
inspections every day at our nation's ports of entry. CBP
Agricultural Specialists play a vital role in both trade and
travel safety and preventing the introduction of harmful
foreign animal diseases such as ASF and exotic plant pests
into the U.S. CBP has been chronically understaffed at the
ports of entry and currently reports a deficit of 721
Agriculture Specialists. Passage of the Protecting America's
Food and Agriculture Act of 2019 will help close this gap by
authorizing the hiring of 240 CBP Agriculture Specialists and
200 CBP Agriculture Technicians each year until the staffing
shortage is closed.
The bill also authorizes the training and assignment each
year of 20 new Agricultural Canine Teams, which are valuable
assets in the detection of illicit fruits, vegetables and
animal products that otherwise may be missed during
inspections. These specially trained dogs have already
demonstrated their ability to sniff out agricultural products
that pose a danger. Finally, the bill authorizes supplemental
appropriations each year to pay for the activities of the
agriculture specialists, technicians and canine teams.
We ask that Congress authorize and fund the needed CBP
Agriculture Specialists, Canine Teams and support staff to
fully staff our international ports of entry. This investment
will significantly enhance mitigation of national security
threats, address public safety risks and grow the economy. We
urge you to quickly discharge S. 2107/H.R. 4482 without
amendments and advocate for its swift passage on the House
suspension calendar.
Sincerely,
Hon. Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota; Hon. Mike
DeWine, Governor of Ohio; Hon. Gary Herbert, Governor of
Utah; Hon. Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas; Hon. Bill
Lee, Governor of Tennessee; Hon. Brad Little, Governor of
Idaho; Hon. Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina; Hon.
Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota; Hon. Kim Reynolds,
Governor of Iowa; Hon. Pete Ricketts, Governor of Nebraska;
Hon. Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma.
____
January 22, 2020.
Chairman Bennie G. Thompson,
House of Representatives, House Committee on Homeland
Security, Washington, DC.
Ranking Member Mike Rogers,
House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Rogers: The
undersigned groups request that the Committee on Homeland
Security expeditiously report out, without amendment, H.R.
4482, Protecting Americas Food & Agriculture Act of 2019, a
bill authorizing funding to hire additional Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) personnel needed to conduct
Agriculture Quarantine Inspection at the international ports
of entry. The Senate version of this bill, S. 2107, was
recently approved by the Senate by unanimous consent.
The U.S. agriculture sector is a crucial component of the
American economy, generating over $1 trillion in annual
economic activity. According to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, foreign pests and diseases cost the American
economy tens of billions of dollars annually. CBP employees
perform critically important agricultural inspections every
day at the nation's ports of entry. CBP Agricultural
Specialists play a vital role in both trade and travel safety
and prevent the introduction of harmful foreign animal
diseases and exotic plant pests into the U.S. Diseases such
as African Swine Fever, which has killed more than one out of
every four pigs on the planet, would have a devastating
impact on U.S. livestock producers, their communities, and
the economy if introduced into the U.S.
For years, CBP has been chronically understaffed at U.S.
ports of entry. The most recent results of CBP's Agriculture
Specialist Resource Allocation Model (AgRAM) shows a need for
an additional 721 Agriculture Specialists. Passage of the
Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019 would
authorize CBP to hire 240 Agriculture Specialists and 200
Agriculture Technicians each year until the staffing shortage
determined by AgRAM is remedied. The bill also authorizes the
training and assignment each year of 20 new Agricultural
Canine Teams, which have proven valuable in detecting illicit
fruits, vegetables, and animal products that may have
otherwise been missed in initial inspections. These specially
trained dogs are already being utilized by CBP to sniff out
potentially contaminated products. Finally, the bill
authorizes supplemental appropriations each year to pay for
the activities of agriculture specialists, technicians, and
canine teams.
We ask Congress to authorize and fund the needed CBP
Agriculture Specialists, Canine Teams, and support staff at
the international ports of entry to guard against national
security threats, address public safety risks, and grow the
economy. To achieve this goal, we urge you to quickly
discharge S. 2107 /H.R. 4482 without amendment and push for
its swift passage in the House.
Respectfully submitted,
Agri-Mark Dairy Cooperative, Airports Council
International-North America, Alabama Pork Producers, American
Dairy Coalition, American Farm Bureau Federation, American
Feed Industry Association, American Kennel Club, American
Sheep Industry Association, American Veterinary Medical
Association, AmericanHort, Border Trade Alliance, California
Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association,
California Citrus Mutual, California Farm Bureau Federation,
California Pork Producers Association, California Poultry
Federation, Colorado Pork Producers Council, Dairy Producers
of New Mexico, Dairy Producers of Utah, Fresh Produce
Association of the Americas, Hawaii Pork Producers, Idaho
Pork Producers Association.
Illinois Pork Producers Association, Indiana Pork Producers
Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Kansas Pork
Association, Kentucky Pork Producers Association, Louisiana
Farm Bureau Federation, Louisiana Pork Producers Association,
Louisiana Rice Producers Group, Michigan Agri-Business,
Michigan Pork Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers
Association, Mississippi Farm Bureau, Mississippi Pork
Producers Association, Missouri Pork Association, Montana
Pork Producers Council, National Animal Interest Alliance,
National
[[Page H986]]
Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National
Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Christmas Tree
Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives,
National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of
America.
National Grain and Feed Association, National Milk
Producers Federation. National Pork Producers Council,
National Potato Council, National Sorghum Producers, National
Treasury Employees Union, National Turkey Federation,
Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Inc., North American
Meat Institute, North American Renderers Association, North
Carolina Pork Council, North Dakota Pork Council, Northeast
Dairy Farmers Cooperatives, Northwest Chicken Council,
Oklahoma Pork Council, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association,
Oregon Pork Producers, Oregon Women for Agriculture,
Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council, Pet Food Institute.
Rural & Agriculture Council of America, South Dakota Pork
Producers Council, Tennessee Pork Producers Association,
Texas Broiler Council, Texas Citrus Mutual, Texas Egg
Council, Texas International Produce Association, Texas Pork
Producers Association, Texas Poultry Federation, Texas Rice
Producers Legislative Group, Texas Turkey Federation, United
Egg Producers, United Fresh Produce Association, United
States Cattlemen's Association, United States Chamber of
Commerce, USA Rice Federation, Utah Pork Producers, Virginia
Pork Council, Inc., Washington State Dairy Federation,
Washington State Potato Commission, Wisconsin Pork
Association.
Mr. VELA. The U.S. agriculture sector is crucial to our economy and
generates more than $1 trillion in annual economic activity.
In 2017, Texas farms sold $24.9 billion in agricultural products, a
significant contribution to the State's economy. However, with
increasing levels of trade, threats to the United States' agricultural
sector are growing. Foreign pests and diseases cost our economy tens of
billions of dollars per year.
Agricultural specialists at our ports of entry intercept thousands of
invasive pests and prevent the introduction of foreign animal diseases,
such as the African swine fever, into the United States, protecting our
natural resources and our economy.
Unfortunately, a shortage of agricultural specialists exists at our
U.S. ports of entry, which is why this legislation is so important.
This bill would ensure that we have enough agricultural specialists,
technicians, and K-9 teams to adequately perform agricultural
quarantine inspections at our international ports of entry.
I ask my colleagues to support swift passage of the Protecting
America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019. I thank my colleague,
Senator Peters, for his collaboration on this crucial bill and our
Texas colleagues in the Senate, Senators Cornyn and Cruz, and
Representative Crenshaw for their leadership in this effort.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Hagedorn).
Mr. HAGEDORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Protecting America's
Food and Agriculture Act. I think this bill is a great example of how
the House can work together, particularly across committee lines. Here,
we have Homeland Security Committee and Agriculture Committee folks
working together in the House and the Senate.
This is a critical piece of legislation in order to make sure we do
everything possible to protect our food supply, our farmers, and
agribusiness.
I have been focused very intently on this whole African swine fever
threat for many months. When you look at it in China, it has ravaged
their hog supply. Literally, over 50 percent of the hogs in China have
had to be slaughtered because of it.
That disease has moved to Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It
is in Poland, moving toward Germany and the European Union. It is an
incredible threat, and it has caused a lot of destruction.
In my district in southern Minnesota, I happen to represent some of
the finest agricultural producers in all the world, including livestock
producers and many in pork production. Our district is number two in
the whole country for pork production.
When you look at what is going on with African swine fever, it is
obviously both an opportunity and a challenge. The opportunity is that
there is going to be a need for our products--our pork supply, poultry,
and other things. Our producers are going to have a chance to export
around the world, perhaps even enhance and expand their operations.
Of course, the challenge is: What happens if the African swine fever
gets in the United States? If African swine fever enters the United
States, it is not going to hurt just our pork producers. It is going to
hurt our corn and soybean growers, and the people who pack the meat,
transport the meat, all the people down the line to Main Street. It is
going to drive up the prices for our consumers, and we can't let that
happen.
That is why this bill is so important, to enhance the inspectors at
these ports of entry and to make sure that the Beagle Brigades, as they
are called, are upgraded. They do a terrific job of sniffing out the
pork.
I completely support this legislation, and I would ask my colleagues
to consider this thought in the future, of perhaps putting together a
task force between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of
Homeland Security to make sure that they are working in cooperation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the
gentleman from Minnesota.
Mr. HAGEDORN. Mr. Speaker, I think a task force would be great, in
order to make sure that these Departments are coordinating and working
together. Then we in the Congress can interact with them in a better
fashion.
We have to do every last thing we can to protect our food production
and our American agricultural producers from this and other infectious
diseases. I encourage everyone to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protecting America's Food
and Agriculture Act.
Agriculture is key to southern Minnesota's economy, but a shortage of
Agricultural inspectors at America's ports of entries puts our
production at risk from infectious diseases.
African Swine Fever has torn through China's hog population and is
currently spreading throughout Europe and Asia--with recent outbreaks
reported in the Philippines and Greece.
Foreign Ag Diseases like the High Path Avian Influenza outbreak in
2014 cost the poultry industry $1.6 billion. Foreign Ag Diseases affect
the whole food supply chain, reducing demand and prices for crops like
corn and soybeans, and increasing the price of food at the supermarket.
With the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, it is critical that we
protect our American food and agriculture from pests and foreign-born
diseases, so that we can continue to supply high quality products
around the world.
Our farmers are ready to meet this challenge. Minnesota's agriculture
exports skyrocketed by 263 percent in the past ten years. And pork
products alone account for 10 percent of all Minnesota Ag exports,
therefore an outbreak of the ASF would have a significant impact on our
economy.
This legislation will help CBP acquire the necessary resources to
hire, train and assign agricultural specialists and support staff for
canine teams that will detect and prevent the spread of ASF and other
foreign-born diseases at our ports of entry. I urge my colleagues to
join me in support of this bill in the name of protecting our food
supply.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, agricultural inspectors
at our ports of entry play a vital role in protecting one of the most
important things there is: the food we eat.
This bill will help protect every American as they sit down at the
dinner table. I commend my colleagues, Congressman Vela and Senator
Peters, for their work on this important bipartisan legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Torres Small) that the House suspend
the rules and pass the bill, S. 2107.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________