Late Thursday evening, the U.S. Senate voted 63-30 to pass the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard that preempts individual state laws to require labeling of foods containing genetically engineered ingredients.
The bipartisan compromise legislation, which was worked out by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), requires mandatory disclosure with several options, including text on package, a symbol, or a link to a website (QR code or similar technology). The bill now goes to the House, which passed a voluntary labeling law last year.
Listen to Stabenow’s remarks on the floor Thursday night: Sen. Stabenow's floor speech on labeling bill
Listen to Roberts’ comments on the floor Wednesday. Sen. Roberts floor speech on labeling bill