Lennard writes: "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."
Genetically modified (GM) crops. (illustration: Melvyn Calderon/Greenpeace)
How the Monsanto Protection Act Snuck Into Law
31 March 13
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A number of readers have requested to know exactly where in the HR 933 they might find the provision dubbed the "Monsanto Protection Act." It is Section 735 in the bill, the full text of which can be read here.
lipped 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."
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No kidding. And the same goes for all the corporate Democrats in positions even approaching leadership positions.
- in 2016 bernie published his brilliant plan to rebuild infrastructure and how to fully fund the rebuild!
in 2017, without one, single, dem vote, repukes cut corporate taxes from 35% to 21% WITHOUT ENDING ANY SPECIAL-INTERES T, CORPORATE, LOBBYIST-WRITTE N LOOPHOLES THAT RESULTED IN THE MORE-OR-LESS THEORETICAL 35% RATE COLLECTING AN AVERAGE OF ONLY 12.5% EFFECTIVE TAX RATE - NOW THAT THE MAX RATE IS 21%, THE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE IS PRESUMABLY, SINCE REPUKES ADDED STILL MORE 2017 LOOPHOLES!, 7% OR SO!
to undo tax cuts and welfare* (* many pay much lower tax rates than their executive secretaries) for millionaires and welfare for corporations, bernie! please prepare and publish an infrastructure bill that works for america! - not just billionaires! thanks!
please fully fund infrastructure rebuild by a) your 2016 funding plan, plus b) undo tax cuts for millionaires and welfare for corporations and millionaires! thanks!
please simplify all taxes! please end all millionaire welfare and corporate loopholes! thanks!
and invite all americans to be "citizen co-sponsors!" thanks!
then invite dickhead to discuss it!
then talk to america!
please invite all americans to sign up as "citizen co-sponsors!" thanks!
and invite all congress to sign up as "bill co-sponsors!" thanks!
then invite dickhead to discuss it! with bill co-sponsors! thanks!
then talk to america! thanks!