Attacks on Animal Agriculture

Rep. Adrian Smith       In August, C-SPAN's Washington Journal featured Jeff Kerr, general counsel for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Foundation. During the interview, he stated, "There are many things human beings used to do for thousands of years that we've evolved beyond, and our interaction with animals is the next version of the civil rights movement in this country." This statement illustrates the political extremism of organizations such as PETA and the Humane Society of the United States which regularly attack animal agriculture. Nebraska's farmers and ranchers provide for the needs and welfare of livestock and poultry every day, as they know producing high quality products depends on raising healthy animals. Because their livelihood depends on cultivating crops and livestock to develop our nation and feed the world, the success of any operation is tied directly to land quality and livestock well-being. Despite statements such as Mr. Kerr's, the true evolution over thousands of years has been the improvements made to animal care and food safety. Unfortunately, many recent developments have shown how these attacks on animal agriculture are pervading scientific and government organizations. This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning linking red meat to increased cancer risk, despite admitting numerous studies showed no correlation between red and processed meats and cancer.        The WHO's biased claim comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continue their work on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which has elicited its own controversy. The administration's Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) released recommendations earlier this year for Americans to decrease red meat consumption based on non-nutritional factors. I joined many of my colleagues in sending letters to USDA and HHS, expressing my concerns about inconsistencies within the report and the DGAC's lack of focus on sound science.Federal regulations on school lunches have also caused headaches for schools across the country. When visiting schools across the Third District, I have too often heard stories of insufficient meals leading to students attending their after-school activities on empty stomachs or stopping by local fast food outlets. The Child Nutrition Act is due for reauthorization, and I am concerned how recent unfounded criticism of meat consumption might lead to additional regulations. Any reauthorization must be based on sound science and allow local officials who best know the needs of their students to exercise more discretion over meal options. In a strange twist, the Bureau of Prisons banned pork from federal prison menus on October 1, claiming pork was the lowest-rated food option by prisoners. Following a national backlash and congressional inquiries, the Bureau reversed its decision only nine days later. Documentation provided by prison officials after the reversal showed the majority of prisoners actually liked pork or felt neutral about it. Though this chain of events defies explanation, the removal of pork from prisons – as brief as it may have been – is certainly consistent with the administration's ongoing attack on animal agriculture. Our producers continue to demonstrate they are dedicated to providing the highest quality, safest, and most affordable food in the world. In my role as co-chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus, I am committed to standing with them by promoting sound science and sensible policies which move animal agriculture forward. Upcoming Events Representatives from my office will host two mobile offices on Thursday, November 5. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency or would like to take advantage of the constituent services available through my office, I hope you will be able to attend one of these events: Garden County Mobile Office Garden County Courthouse 611 Main Street, Oshkosh, NE 69154 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (MST) Arthur County Mobile Office Arthur County Courthouse 205 Fir Street, Arthur, NE 69121 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (MST)For additional information, please contact my Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333.My office is also hosting a Senior Services Fair in Grand Island on Thursday, November 12.Officials from the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will be on hand to provide private consultations with seniors about Medicare Part D plan options. Seniors seeking plan assistance should bring a complete list of their prescriptions taken, including dosage information.  Experts will be available to answer questions about Social Security. Nursing students from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) will also provide complimentary blood pressure screenings. A representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs will also be in attendance to discuss VA services. Grand Island Senior Services Fair Grand Generation Center 304 East 3rd Street, Grand Island, NE 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST) *It is strongly recommended attendees schedule appointments directly with SHIIP in advance of the fair by calling 1-800-234-7119.For additional information, please contact my Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.   Sincerely, ADRIAN SMITH Member of Congress *