Country of Origin Labeling Amendments Act of 2015

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill.

Agriculture is the backbone of many communities in Michigan's Fourth Congressional District. With over 10,000 farms and 15,000 farm operators, approximately $1.7 billion in products from our area are sold across the country and around the world.

The law on the books right now that mandates country of origin labeling threatens the success of agricultural exports. It is unnecessary. It imposes a heavy burden on our farmers. It puts our agricultural exports at risk, and it needs to be repealed.

Recently, based on the ruling from the World Trade Organization, it is apparent that severe consequences could result and that our trading partners and neighbors could penalize American-made products sold in those countries with steep tariffs.

Already, Canada has announced that it will put tariffs on beef, pork, and cherries if the current labeling law is not repealed. Manufactured goods, including office furniture, would also be subjected to tariffs.

H.R. 2393 passed the Agriculture Committee on a bipartisan vote of 38-6. It is a good bill, and it repeals the current labeling law. It will eliminate the possibility of steep tariffs and let Michigan farmers and manufacturers focus on creating jobs and growing their businesses without worrying about more regulations or retaliation.

I am pleased to cosponsor this bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source