Securing and Protecting Our Nation's Food Supply and Agricultural Economy From Disasters

Statement

Last year's outbreak of the HPAI H5N2 virus, commonly known as avian influenza, forced a tough and heartbreaking reality for many folks in Iowa's Third Congressional District. Iowa suffered the largest animal disease outbreak in state history, devastating many farmers and producers by wiping out millions of layer hens, turkeys, and backyard flocks.

As the federal government scrambled to respond to last year's events, efforts revealed problems with their ability react quickly, and to communicate with stakeholders. I heard from numerous farmers, producers, and other stakeholders frustrated by this lack of communication and delay in action. Response efforts to the outbreak also highlighted concerns about our country's ability to share information and quickly respond to potential agro-terrorism threats and attacks.

As our nation faces global and complex national security challenges, agro-terrorism and attacks, as well as future large-scale animal disease outbreaks, pose serious threats to our food, agriculture, and livestock industries here at home and across the United States. I introduced the Securing our Agriculture and Food Act (H.R. 5346), preparedness legislation to address this issue by securing our nation's agriculture industry and food supply, ultimately protecting our consumers across the nation.

My agro-terrorism preparedness legislation 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. It also authorizes the secretary to collaborate with other federal government agencies, to ensure the protection of our agriculture sectors so food safely reaches American families' tables.

I've been working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make progress on this important bill. My legislation was reported favorably out of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications in June.

This week, I'm pleased to share that my legislation was considered by the full U.S. House Homeland Security Committee during a markup. It was approved by members of the Committee and will next head to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

Whether we're preparing for future avian influenza outbreaks, animal disease outbreaks, or unforeseen emergencies or attacks, our federal government must have the tools and resources to act quickly and keep Americans informed. I remain committed to working on this important issue to prevent future devastating losses to our agriculture and food industries, and to keep our consumers safe.

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