The New York Times (3/12, A20, Harris) reports, “A parade of Democratic and Republican lawmakers promised at a House hearing on Wednesday that they would work to pass a broad array of changes in the nation’s food safety system, although they disagreed on crucial details.” Two of the most contentious issues discussed were whether to split the FDA into two entities and whether to fund “increased safety inspections through fees on industry or through general appropriations.” House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Henry Waxman is currently opposed to splitting the FDA while Rep. Diana DeGette said she would continue “to advocate a separate agency to oversee food safety.” Support for reform was bipartisan and the panel of consumer groups and industry experts who testified “largely agreed that broad changes were needed.” CongressDaily (3/12, Sanders) also covers the story.
From the American Association for Justice news release.
