The American Soybean Association (ASA) applauds the Senate Agriculture Committee for its passage earlier today of legislation from Chairman Pat Roberts that would establish a national framework for the labeling of bioengineered food products, or GMOs. The legislation passed the committee with the support of all 11 Republican members, as well as Democrats Amy Klobuchar, Joe Donnelly and Heidi Heitkamp. ASA President and Delaware farmer Richard Wilkins praised Roberts' leadership on the bill in a statement:

"ASA is extremely pleased to see this bill come through committee, and we are very appreciative of the leadership shown by Chairman Roberts throughout the process. We're also thankful for the Democratic support from Sens. Klobuchar, Donnelly and Heitkamp on this bill, as support from Senate Democrats will be key when the bill reaches the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

"Now, our attention turns to the full Senate, and we will begin our press on senators from both parties to support this legislation. For soybean farmers, the bill represents our continued ability to use biotechnology within our operations. It means growing more while using less, and it means meeting the needs of a demanding American marketplace, and growing global population. We will communicate those benefits to senators every day until this bill is passed and signed into law."