Murkowski Pledges Continued Fight Against Frankenfish After Senate Vote
Senator Sees Resistance to "Test Tube Fish" Growing Among Senate Colleagues Through Information Campaign
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski’s amendment to require comprehensive analysis before genetically-engineered salmon enters the American marketplace was voted upon in the U.S. Senate today. The measure barely failed to pass (46 yes votes, 50 no votes against), and the Senator noted afterwards that the numbers are trending towards a greater wariness of the risks and potentially dangerous consequences involved – along with the thousands of Alaskan and American jobs lost in the process.
The Senator’s amendment to the Food and Drug Administration Reauthorization Bill would require the same comprehensive scientific and economic analysis be done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for genetically modified salmon as is done for any other federal fishery.
“While I am disappointed with today’s vote, I am heartened by the fact that a growing number of my colleagues are hearing my concerns and agree that ‘test tube fish’ are an unknown that need greater scrutiny,” said Murkowski. “I will continue making this case for our fisheries and our food safety.”
Senator Murkowski addresses her colleagues prior to vote.
Immediately prior to the vote, Murkowski pressed the amendments benefits to her colleagues on the Senate floor, saying “the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not looking at labeling these fish, the FDA is not considering the environmental impact of escapement into the marine environment. What we’re asking for in this amendment is as the FDA proceeds with its process, that the agency [NOAA] with oversight of our federal fisheries be allowed to participate and weigh in with the environmental consequences that may come about.”
Earlier this week, Senator Murkowski spoke on the Senate floor, urging her U.S. Senate colleagues to support her amendment.
