Glyphosate Debate
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Sparks flew at the House Rules Committee Monday over whether the pending farm bill includes a lawsuit shield for makers of the key farming herbicide glyphosate or Roundup.
Democrats led by Ranking Rules member Jim McGovern launched a deluge of criticism over alleged farm bill liability protections against glyphosate lawsuits …
McGOVERN … “Why do we need this language if everything is so wonderful with glyphosate. I just want to say for the record, Mr. Chairman, there are people in this audience, some of whom who have been victims of glyphosate.”
Ag Chair GT Thompson insisted McGovern had it wrong …
THOMPSON … “The bill does not protect companies from being held liable if they harm users. The current failure-to-warn claims are based on products not having warning labels, which are not allowed by the EPA.”
Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley says only the EPA, not the World Health Organization, should matter on glyphosate’s safety …
GRASSLEY … “It’s very important that we make clear that only US law applies in our courtrooms. So, I think the Supreme Court could settle this matter, but also, the Congress of the United States can settle it.”
Top Ag Democrat Angie Craig insisted her side would oppose the farm bill over glyphosate lawsuit protections, while Democrats continued their long-running opposition to GOP SNAP reforms.
