Phil English's Voting Record on Other Issues
new! Opposed Strengthening Rules Governing Food Safety Warning Labels
In 2006, English voted against amending the National Uniformity for Food Act, a bill that set national standards for food safety warning labels. The amendment prevented the federally mandated standards in the bill from preempting state laws that required products to contain adequate notification regarding the risks of cancer, birth defects, reproductive health risks, and allergic reactions associated with sulfiting agents in bulk foods.
Additionally, the amendment permitted states to maintain or enact warning laws notifying parents of the risks of cancer, reproductive or developmental toxins, and food-borne pathogens associated with certain foods, as well as laws governing food safety standards and tolerance levels relating to limiting children's exposure to these risks. Rep. Capps Dear Colleague Letter, 3/06/06
The bill was defeated 161-259. HR4167, Vote #29, 3/08/06
new! Supported Bill to Weaken Food Safety
In 2006, English voted in favor of the final passage of the National Uniformity for Food Act, a bill that set national standards for food safety warning labels. Under the bill, the Food and Drug Administration would establish national standards for determining when warnings would be required on packaging, on store shelves and in advertising.
States would be prohibited from imposing different rules without federal approval. Attorneys General from about 40 states opposed the measure, as did consumer advocacy groups, because they believed that the measure would weaken pre-existing state laws governing food safety warnings. Los Angeles Times, 3/09/06
Opponents of the measure, including the Consumers Union, said that bill would undermine food safety laws.
"Proponents of the legislation have been characterizing H.R. 4167 as a pro-consumer bill," the Consumers Union said. "This simply is not true. The bill could lead to increased food-borne illnesses by handcuffing local and state food safety inspectors and wiping out at least 200 state labeling and food safety laws without guaranteeing strong federal protections." Consumers Union, Myths vs. Truths about H.R. 4167, National Uniformity for Food Act
The bill passed 283-139. HR4167, Vote #32, 3/08/06
new! Opposed Increasing Funding to Fight Child Pornography on the Internet
In 2006, English voted against an amendment to the FY 07 Homeland Security appropriations bill that would increase funding for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Cyber Crimes Unit by $5 million.
This would double the budget of the unit, which battles child pornography and exploitation on the internet.
In 2003, ICE launched Operation PREDATOR, which was administered through the Cyber Crimes Center.
Since 2003, Operation PREDATOR has arrested more than 7,500 child predators, more than 88% of whom were non-US citizens. Rep. Stupak Press Release, 5/26/06
The bill passed 348-74. HR5441, Vote #215, 5/25/06