Directing Committees to Review Regulations from Federal Agencies

Floor Speech

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Mr. HULTGREN. I rise in support of the resolution and look forward to reviewing a number of regulations and orders from Federal Government agencies.

One regulation I would like to address today is the USDA's departure from a science-based regulatory system for biotech crops. Two weeks ago, I spoke to a number of farm and agriculture groups from my district, and they indicated a real concern that the current politicization of the regulatory process could set dangerous precedents for open pollinated and biotech crops in the future.

The USDA has departed from the longstanding science-based ``coordinated framework'' between the USDA, EPA, and FDA that has been accepted throughout the world. By altering the process through using a rules approach, rather than science, this could have a significant negative impact on trade. In addition, I think it is important to make sure that all government agencies are allowing for a proper comment time for proposed rules and regulations. As a government, we need a full understanding of how our actions will affect those governed by the rules.

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