FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Claire Parker
202.677.7699
press@cfsaf.org
July 6, 2016
CFSAF Applauds Successful Senate Cloture Vote On Disclosure Legislation
(Washington, D.C.) – The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food today praised members of the U.S. Senate who voted for cloture on S. 764, bipartisan legislation crafted by Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow that will provide consumers the most transparent food ingredient disclosure system in U.S. history while blocking the harmful impacts of a patchwork of state labeling laws.
With a strong bipartisan vote of 65-32, the Senate cleared the way for a final vote by the end of the week.
“We are thankful for the tremendous showing of bipartisan support that has lined up behind this bill and we are hopeful that it will clear the Senate later this week,” said Pamela G. Bailey, President and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association and CFSAF co-chair. “We saw over the weekend that the negative impacts of Vermont’s law are already hitting consumers and small businesses, with shoppers in Vermont seeing fewer options on the shelves. Ultimately, this could lead to higher prices and even lost jobs in other states. Fortunately, nearly 1,100 leading groups from agriculture producers to small businesses around the country have lined up in support of this bipartisan breakthrough agreement.”
“The leadership shown by Chairman Roberts and Senator Stabenow has been commendable, and America’s family farmers, small businesses and consumers should all thank the bipartisan group of Senators who voted in favor of this bill today,” said Charles F. Conner, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and co-chair of CFSAF. “Today’s vote was one for transparency and consistency. America’s food producing community is united in support for this bill and we look forward to working with leaders in the House to ensure this bill is taken up next week before the summer recess.”
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