Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that fruit and vegetable and commodity producers are encouraged to display the American flag on labels of products grown in the United States, reminding us all to take pride in the healthy bounty produced by American farmers and workers.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1558) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that fruit and vegetable and commodity producers are encouraged to display the American flag on labels of products grown in the United States, reminding us all to take pride in the healthy bounty produced by American farmers and workers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 1558.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, in my district my farmers produce a bounty of fruits and vegetables that feed families across the country and abroad. My farmers work hard in the field every single day. They love their families, their farms, and the healthy products that they grow. They also love their country. As with many of my constituents, they are proud to fly the American flag on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

My resolution, the Grown in America Act, encourages farmers across the country to feature the American flag on their packaging so that all Americans know quickly and easily that the food that they are feeding their families is grown with pride right here in the good old USA.

In the U.S., we have 310 million consumers to feed, and much of the food is supplied by our hardworking farmers right here at home. Whether you realize it or not, agriculture is at the center of many of our vital issues: feeding the hungry, improving our health, addressing the crisis of childhood obesity,

emphasizing the importance of the school lunch program and much, much more.

Where does that food come from? From people across the United States who are becoming more curious about their food sources. They want to know more about the food products themselves and who grew it.

This resolution also has a practical application. Starting in 2002, Congress mandated that all food products be labeled with their country of origin. We had a sense that consumers wanted to know the true origins of their food. And when given that choice, consumers will choose an American-made product most every time. This choice strengthens demand and prices for U.S. farmers and ranchers. It is also important that the public understand the vital role domestic agriculture carries out to produce the safest and highest quality food in the world.

Agriculture not only serves the public with high quality food, but it also creates jobs right here. In a time of economic hardship, a strong agricultural sector is needed to ensure employment at multiple levels. We often use the expression ``farm to fork'' in reference to the jobs gained as a certain commodity is grown, harvested, packed, bagged, labeled, shipped, and sold at local farmers' markets and in our neighborhood grocery stores.

With this resolution, consumers can be even more empowered to choose American products over foreign imports. The flag clearly communicates the origin of the fruit or vegetable, and it's easier to read than the fine print at the bottom of the label that reads ``Product of the

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady from Ohio, the ranking member on my committee, for her support of this resolution. It's a pleasure to serve with her on the Horticulture and Organic Subcommittee of the Agriculture Committee. I would just say that support of this resolution is in fact, as she said, something that will help promote products, and it is voluntary.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support the motion, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1558, which expresses the sense of Congress that our Nation's farmers use the American flag to promote fruits, vegetables, and commodities produced in the United States.

In the early 20th century, about 40 percent of Americans were engaged in agricultural production. Today, that number is down to 1.75 percent. Our Nation's farmers and ranchers provide Americans the safest, most affordable, and most abundant food supply in the history of the world. Our bounty of sustainable and nutritious food is so great that we also feed countless millions around the world.

America's farmers and ranchers endure uncertain weather, regulatory burdens, and animal and plant disease and pest threats in order to participate in a highly competitive global market. This resolution encourages them to stand tall for what they provide for us every day.

When passage of the 2008 farm bill closed the long-running debate on mandatory country-of-origin labeling for fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry, there remained considerable concern among opponents that we should not impose labeling on our producers. The reasoning held that origin labeling is an element of marketing and should be left to the producers, processors, packers, and retailers that bring America's food to our tables. Proponents of labeling argued that affixing country-of- origin labeling would enhance value and benefit farmers and ranchers.

Mr. Speaker, no matter what position an individual has taken on the question of country-of-origin labeling, it is easy to support this resolution. House Resolution 1558 simply asserts that the American flag is such a positive attribute that farmers are encouraged to use this symbol to promote the products they grow here at home in America.

Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution because it encourages our farmers and ranchers to act in what we believe to be their own self interest, while refraining from additional regulatory requirements or burdens.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the tragic death of two brave firemen from Bridgeport, CT, did not permit me to vote today on the House floor, but I wish to share my position on the votes taken Friday, July 30, 2010.

On H. Res. 1574, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3534, Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act and H.R. 5851, Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On H. Res. 1558, the resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that fruit and vegetable and commodity producers are encouraged to display the American flag on labels of products grown in the United States, reminding us all to take pride in the healthy bounty produced by American farmers and workers, I would have voted ``yes.''

On H.R. 5901, the Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On H. Res. 1566, the resolution recognizing the commemorating The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the National Sit-In Movement, I would have voted ``yes.''

On the motion to recommit to H.R. 5851, I would have voted ``yes.''

On the final passage of H.R. 585, Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On the amendments to H.R. 3534:

On The Rahall manager's amendment, I would have voted ``yes.''

On the Kind Kratovil/Heinrich/Perriello/Titus/Kissel/Arcuri amendment, I would have voted ``yes.''

On the Teague Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, I would have voted ``yes.''

On the Oberstar/Himes amendment, I would have voted ``yes.''

On the Melancon/Childers amendment, I would have voted ``no.''

On the motion to recommit on H.R. 3534, I would have voted ``no.''

On the final passage of H.R. 3534, Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On H.R. 5982, Small Business Tax Relief Act (Representatives Levin/ Murphy (NY)/Owens), I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend several votes today, July 30, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 1574; ``aye'' on H. Res. 1558; ``aye'' on H.R. 5901; ``aye'' on H. Res. 1566; ``aye'' on H.R. 5414; ``nay'' on H.R. 5851, the motion to recommit; ``aye'' on final passage of H.R. 5851; on the Rahall Manager's Amendment; ``aye'' on the Kind Amendment; ``aye'' on the Teague Amendment; ``aye'' on the Oberstar Amendment; ``aye'' on the Melancon Amendment; ``nay'' on the motion to recommit H.R. 3534; ``aye'' on final passage of H.R. 3534; and ``aye'' on final passage of