Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks after the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health completed its markup of H.R. 2749, the ‘Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009.’  The bill will now move on to the full Committee.

“I want to commend my colleagues on the Subcommittee for their quick work on H.R. 2749, the ‘Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009.’  It is clear that we need to provide the Food and Drug Administration with the necessary authorities and resources needed to protect the nation’s food supply.  This bill will do that.  I am pleased to report that we were able to reach agreement on an issue of great importance, which also might have been most contentious.  This is the issue of fees.  I have always been convinced that it doesn’t matter what new authorities we give the FDA; we must give them the resources to exercise those authorities and carry out their responsibilities.  Industry, despite their historic opposition to fees, has accepted that they have an appropriate role in ensuring FDA has adequate resources.  That role is detailed in today’s manager’s amendment.  The legislation is not perfect.  We still have work to do.  However, I can comfortably say it is a better bill because of the valuable contributions we have received from the Members of the Committee, both Democrat and Republican, consumer groups, industry, and other stakeholders.  I thank them for their efforts and look forward to bringing this bill before the full Committee.”

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