Congress will finalize the language for the Omnibus spending bills to be debated on the floor later this week. There are three elements of particular importance still under consideration, and it is imperative that soy growers contact your House and Senate offices to encourage lawmakers to include this language in the Omnibus.

The requests are as follows:

1. Please include language providing two-year preemptive relief from state genetically modified organisms (GMO) labeling legislation while USDA explores a compromise on the best path forward to provide consumers the information they’re looking for, without stigmatizing biotechnology.
2. Please include language that repeals the Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) rule, for which the World Trade Organization approved more than $1 billion in potential retaliation. In addition to potentially placing soybeans at risk of retaliatory tariffs, the COOL rule adds significant costs and logistical barriers for the animal agriculture industry, which represents the top customer of American soybean meal.
3. Please include language that will prohibit funding for the EPA’s Clean Water Rule, also known as the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. ASA supports efforts to abolish the rule, which is alarmingly broad, and fails to clearly define its jurisdiction.

Find a pre-written email to your House and Senate offices has been loaded into the Soy Action Center here:

We will keep you updated on the progress of the Omnibus as it moves forward.