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Senate Bill Addresses Agro-Terrorism Threats to Food Supply
USAgNet - 05/26/2017

The U.S. Senate approved legislation to address the threat of agro-terrorism and ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Sens. Pat Roberts (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, in the Senate and U.S. Reps. David Young (R-IA), Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), and Dan Donovan (R-NY) in the House.

"An attack on our nation's food supply would cause irreparable damage," said Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. "This legislation reiterates the important and necessary role of the DHS in the agro-terrorism space. As former Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I understand the unique threat our farmers and ranchers face. As the backbone of the U.S. economy, the spread of any deadly pathogen among our livestock and plant population would be devastating. I look forward to continuing to work with DHS and USDA, which play equally important roles, in protecting our homeland's food supply."

Sen. McCaskill adds that a terrorist attack on the agricultural industry or food supply could put countless lives at risk and result in huge economic losses for our state's farmers and ranchers. Rep. Donovan agrees, saying our nation's enemies are intent on attacking us by exploiting our resources and vulnerabilities, including our food supply.

"Threats to U.S food, agriculture, and livestock industries could devastate our food system, impacting millions of Americans, as well as our economy," Donovan said. "This bill is essential to enhancing agro-terrorism preparedness and emergency response measures, and I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it passed. I look forward to having President Trump sign this important legislation into law."

Rep. Young says the legislation is being introduced after the avian influenza outbreak of 2015 wiped out millions of layer hens, turkeys, and backyard flocks in Iowa.

After House consideration, the bill then goes to the president's desk for signature.


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