"Slipped into the Agricultural Appropriations Bill, which passed through Congress last week, was a small provision that’s a big deal for Monsanto and its opponents. The provision protects genetically modified seeds from litigation in the face of health risks and has thus been dubbed the “Monsanto Protection Act” by activists who oppose the biotech giant. President Barack Obama signed the spending bill, including the provision, into law on Tuesday
Since the act’s passing, more than 250,000 people have signed a petition opposing the provision and a rally, consisting largely of farmers organized by the Food Democracy Now network, protested outside the White House Wednesday. Not only has anger been directed at the Monsanto Protection Act’s content, but the way in which the provision was passed through Congress without appropriate review by the Agricultural or Judiciary Committees. The biotech rider instead was introduced anonymously as the larger bill progressed — little wonder food activists are accusing lobbyists and Congress members of backroom dealings.
The Food Democracy Now and the Center for Food are directing blame at the Senate Appropriations Committee and its chairman, Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. According to reports, many members of Congress were apparently unaware that the “Monsanto Protection Act” even existed within the spending bill, HR 933; they voted in order to avert a government shutdown.
“It sets a terrible precedent,” noted the International Business Times. “Though it will only remain in effect for six months until the government finds another way to fund its operations, the message it sends is that corporations can get around consumer safety protections if they get Congress on their side. Furthermore, it sets a precedent that suggests that court challenges are a privilege, not a right.”
What do you think? Does this sound like a few lawmakers slipped another fast one onto their fellow house members and the American People with this bill?
Ed
Business as usual; money talks. I'm betting a lot of folks up on the hill own Monsanto stock, too.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that GMO seed is a health hazard, I don't believe in suing people, but yet I oppose the law. Just shows you what lobbying money will do.
ReplyDeleteBudde, what if you learned that GMO's had injured or killed people? Not saying they have?
ReplyDeleteI've seen pretty good evidence they are costing the American Farmer a ton of money and if that is proven, shouldn't there be an opportunity for litigation? There is for everything else?
Ed
I'm saying that even though I think GMO's are safe I am opposed to insulating the companies from litigation. The threat of a lawsuit does a great deal for public safety. Although excessive lawsuits are not good either. If it turns out Monsanto has been poisoning us all then I think we should sue the pants off them.
DeleteI also think GMO was the wrong way to go and it was better for farmers when desirable traits were bred and marketed my smaller regional companies.