There is insufficient support in the Senate to pass a bill that would pre-empt state GMO food-labeling laws and keep labeling voluntary at the federal level, despite months of discussion and a landslide House vote for it. Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican, told reporters that no Democrat was ready to co-sponsor such legislation: “That is the problem. That is the short answer and the long answer.”
North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven, regarded as the most likely sponsor of a labeling bill, wants bipartisan backing and assurance of broad support before moving a bill, said an aide. “Right now, we’re still discussing it with other members and we’ll see where it goes,” the aide told Ag Insider.
Vermont’s first-in-the-nation labeling law is scheduled to take effect on July 1. The food industry says it would be expensive and difficult to comply with a welter of state laws. It is pressing for congressional action this year because of the time that would be needed to create special labels. Groups such as the “Just Label It” campaign say Americans have a right to know what’s in their food.
The labeling bill passed by the House, HR 1599, would put USDA in charge of certifying non-GMO foods. Grassley said, “The House bill won’t pass the Senate” in the face of antipathy by Democrats.