Administration Has Serious Concerns About House Ag Funding Bill
The Office of Management and Budget has issued a Statement of Administration Policy which outlines its serious concerns with the fiscal year 2012 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2112) currently being considered in the House. The Administration’s concerns include funding levels for food safety and the Food and Drug Administration, cuts in the cotton payments to Brazil, and restrictions on FDA standards.
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House to Continue Consideration of H.R. 2112 on June 15
The House began its consideration of H.R. 2112 on June 14, 2011, adopting several amendments affecting certain proposed funding levels. More amendments are expected to be considered on June 15, 2011.
Bill Could Compromise Food Safety, Open U.S. to Retaliation from Brazil
The Administration’s concerns about H.R. 2112, as reported, include:
Food safety - the funding provided for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will significantly hamper its ability to inspect food processing plants and prevent food borne illnesses and disease from contaminating the U.S. food supply. The House Appropriations Committee’s recommendation could require FSIS to furlough employees including frontline inspectors.
FDA - the funding level in the bill and resulting staff reductions will severely limit the FDA’s ability to carry out its duties regarding the safety of public health, food and medical products, and generic drugs and biologics.
WTO cotton dispute - the bill would eliminate payments that are being made as part of the mutually agreed settlement of a World Trade Organization (WTO) cotton dispute with Brazil. The bill would preempt the resolution process and open the door to retaliation by Brazil.
Restrictions on FDA regulations, guidance - the bill would undermine or nullify certain long-standing FDA statutory standards affecting unsafe foods, infant formula, drugs and medical devices, food labeling and health claims, and tobacco.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 06/07/11 news, 11060716, for BP summary of H.R. 2112 as reported by House Appropriations Committee.)
Statement of Administration Policy available here