Young's Agro-Terrorism Preparedness Bill Clears Homeland Security Committee - Ready For Vote By Full House
Press Release
Congressman Young's agro-terrorism preparedness legislation, the Securing our Agriculture and Food Act (H.R. 5346), was considered and approved by the full U.S. House Homeland Security Committee during a markup Tuesday. The bill was reported favorably out of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications in June. Congressman Young's bill will next be considered by the full U.S. House of Representatives.
"Agro-terrorism and high-risk events pose serious threats to our food, agriculture, and livestock industries in the United States, and it is imperative we take precautions and have preparedness policies in place," Congressman Young said. "I'm pleased my agriculture security and preparedness legislation has received such widespread support from my colleagues and I look forward to continuing our work together to make further progress on this important issue."
About the Securing our Agriculture and Food Act:
In 2015, Iowa suffered the largest animal disease outbreak in our state's history when avian influenza wiped out millions of layer hens, turkeys, and backyard flocks. Response efforts revealed problematic breaks in the federal government's ability to communicate with stakeholders and react quickly to large-scale animal disease outbreaks. This disaster also raised additional concerns among stakeholders about our nation's ability to share information and quickly respond to agro-terrorism threats and attacks, as well as securing our nation's food supply and ultimately protecting our consumers.
Congressman Young's agro-terrorism bill requires the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to elevate preparedness of our nation's food, agriculture, and veterinary systems against terrorism and high-risk events. The bill authorizes the secretary to collaborate with other agencies, to ensure food, agriculture, and animal and human health sectors receive attention and are integrated into the DHS' domestic preparedness policy initiatives.
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