| The House vote on the food safety bill is today. Consumers Union has sent out an action alert asking us to call our representatives - especially the Republicans. The three of highest importance are:
Rep Boehner- Ohio (202) 225-6205
Rep. Cantor- Virgina 202.225-2815
Rep Lucas- Oklahoma (202) 225-5565
I realize the sustainable food community is split over their feelings on this bill. It does some fantastic, very necessary things that will save lives. It also contains provisions that are questionable or even harmful in their impact on small producers. I don't feel justified in telling you which side to come down on. There is one amendment, known as the Farr-Kaptur amendment, that will make the bill much more favorable to small farmers and producers. If that amendment is included, then I am absolutely in favor of the bill.
Without that amendment, I am leaning towards supporting the bill as well. Remember - we CAN still get pieces of the bill changed and improved in the Senate so the version the House passes is NOT what Obama will eventually sign. The sustainable farmers started working on this bill pretty late in the game - perhaps too late. They'll be more on top of things in the Senate and we can get a better bill there even if the House bill is passed with flaws in it.
Additionally, you can see all of the House's roll call votes online so once the vote takes place, you can see how your Representative voted. |
