Federal Bills
 There are currently two bills in the United States’ House of Representative that are related to genetically engineered foods:

Bill HR 713 (13)
 This bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture (who would be given apportioned $500,000) to complete a report regarding the safety and monitoring of genetically engineered foods to submit to Congress.  His report would include:

· The type of data and tests needed to assess and evaluate human risks
· The type of Federal monitoring system that will assess any future human health
    consequences from long-term consumption of GMOs
· A federal regulatory structure to approve genetically engineered foods that are safe
    for human consumption

This bill was introduced to the House on February 14, 2001.  Then on March 23, 2001, it was referred to the Subcommittees on Farm, Commodities, and Risk Management, and on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry.
More information on this is available at  http://thomas.loc.gov

Bill HR 2343 (13)
 This bill calls for support for research and development programs in agricultural biotechnology and genetically engineering targeted to addressing the food and economic needs of the developing worlds.  The Secretary of Agriculture would award grants to organizations that would among other things:

· Enhance the nutritional content of agricultural products
· Increase the yield and safety of genetically modified foods
· Enhance shelf-life of products using genetic engineering
· Develop immunizing vaccines to be administered by consuming genetically modified foods

These foods would be delivered countries that are malnourished and have low crop production.  This bill was introduced on June 27, 2001 and was referred to the Subcommittees on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and Research, and on Farm Commodities and Risk Management.
More information on this is available at http://thomas.loc.gov

 Michigan Bills

In the state of Michigan there is currently a bill in the House that was introduced on January 25, 2001.  This bill, House Bill 4025, is to amend the Food Law of 2000.  It would add to the list of food that is considered “adulterated” to include genetically modified foods if it is derived from and organism or plant or animal fed or treated with materials from a GMO.
More information on this is available at  http://www.michiganlegislature.org

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