Congressmen Krishnamoorthi And Khanna Introduce The Security Of The Economy, Climate, And Other U.S. Interests With Recent And Existing Food Alternatives (SECURE Food) Act

Statement

Today Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) and Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-18) introduced the Security of the Economy, Climate, and other U.S. interests with Recent and Existing Food alternatives (SECURE Food) Act, which would require the Director of National Intelligence to submit an intelligence report on the effects of increased production and consumption of alternative proteins on American national security. The report would address plant-based and cultivated proteins' impacts on food security, water supplies, climate impacts, public health, the agricultural sector, and the American economy as a whole. Additionally, the study would include a detailed explanation of whether, and to what extent, progress in the production and consumption of alternative proteins made by foreign countries constitutes a competitive threat to American economic interests.

"As the impacts of climate change only grow more severe, expanding our research into the potential national security benefits of alternative protein sources can help to inform our foreign, agricultural, and environmental policies for decades to come," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. "By researching all available options, and the full spectrum of their national security impacts on our country, we can ensure that our nation's food policy will continue to help ensure the health, security, and sustainability of our nation."

"Increasing the production of alternative proteins will help us build more resilient food systems, tackle the climate crisis, and strengthen the US economy by creating new jobs," said Congressman Ro Khanna. "The SECURE Food Act is a step toward prioritizing food sustainability and resiliency in our national security strategy. I'm proud to lead this effort with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi."

"From my time in government service as a former deputy assistant secretary of defense and official at the National Security Council, I strongly support this effort by Rep. Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Khanna to increase our understanding of the role alternative proteins can play in enhancing American food security and national security" said Matt Spence, co-founder and board member, Truman National Security Project.

"As American families struggle with rapidly increasing food prices, American farmers are being pushed to the limit trying to overcome a rapidly changing climate while meeting the ever-growing demand for protein," said Ari Nessel, President, Food Solutions Action. "I applaud Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Khanna for introducing The SECURE Food Act, which will focus our Intelligence Community on how the emerging alternative protein sectors can address these problems and ultimately enhance both our food and national security. "

"We're grateful to Rep. Krishnamoorthi for introducing this common sense proposal and for his leadership in ensuring thorough study of alt proteins, so that the U.S. is not left behind," Jessica Almy, vice president for policy, at The Good Food Institute added.

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