WASHINGTON, DC -- Calling it a victory for common sense and food safety, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is praising Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) for removing the so-called ‘Monsanto policy rider’ from the Continuing Resolution (CR) making its way through the U.S. Senate.

The ‘Monsanto policy rider’ was added to last year’s CR and undermines the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) oversight of genetically modified crops.  It effectively prevents judges from enforcing injunctions on genetically modified seeds and foods, even if they are deemed unsafe.

“This is a significant victory for consumers, common sense, and the environment.  People deserve to know the truth about where their food comes from and how it is grown.  The Monsanto rider was a special interest provision that interferes with judicial review and hindered transparency.  With careful regard for health and safety, biotech advances may yield benefits to the market and the well-being of consumers.  However, I believe that further investigation into the costs, benefits, and regulation of such engineering must take place and that consumers should be informed of non-traditional growing methods,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, who voted earlier this year to ensure that the ‘Monsanto policy rider’ provision would expire at the end of the month.

Reed also voted in favor of an amendment to the 2013 Farm Bill offered by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) that would have permitted states to require labels on food, beverages, or other edible products offered for sale that contain a genetically engineered ingredient.  Unfortunately, this amendment was defeated by a vote of 27 to 71.

Although the provision is set to expire under the Senate bill, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed their version of the Continuing Resolution last week which would extend the Monsanto Protection Act.