Cantwell Pushes to Prohibit Downer Animals in U.S. Food Supply
Sen Cantwell, flanked by Sen Daniel Akaka, Rep Gary Ackerman, and other members of Congress, calls for action on legislation to deal with mad cow and downer animals.
WASHINGTON, D.C.– "Last year I was pleased to cosponsor Sen. Akaka’s amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill that, if adopted, would have improved food safety by preventing downed animals from entering our nation’s beef supply. I was disappointed that it was dropped in conference.
"However, Congress has a chance to improve food safety and open up international markets by passing Sen. Akaka’s bill, The Downed Animal Protection Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor.
"The Downed Animal Protection Act would permanently ban downer cows and other downed animals from our nation’s food supply. It would codify and expand the USDA’s proposed rule and protect consumers and our food supply not for just as long as the Administration feels like, but permanently.
"The discovery of mad cow in an animal imported to my home state from Canada underscores the urgent need to adopt these common-sense measures.
"I know firsthand the tremendous impact and human toll of this crisis, because Washington state is ground zero. Washington state ranchers, dairy farmers, and packing houses are hurting.
"Farmers in my state have said that they want their food supply to be safe and wouldn’t sell beef they wouldn’t want their own kids to eat.
"This is largely about food safety, but it is also about trade and jobs. Opening international markets and convincing our trade partners that American beef is safe is an imperative. Cattlemen need to be able to convince consumers and international markets that their meat is safe. Making the USDA’s rules permanent will help them make their case.
"Washington state is considering similar legislation. The ranchers in my state want their food to be safe, but they want everyone else’s food to be safe too. This bill will ensure that the nation’s beef producers operate on a level playing field.
"Our nation’s ranchers and dairy farmers, our consumers, and our economy can’t wait any longer. We must act on this legislation now."
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