Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Amendment Authorizing Planting of GMO Seed

WASHINGTON, DC: On July 19, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6147, the Department of the Interior, Environment, Financial Services, and General Government Appropriations Act for 2019. Included in this legislation is an amendment to authorize the planting of genetically-modified (GMO) seed on National Wildlife Refuge land. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement in support of this amendment:

"In 2014, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service banned the planting of genetically-modified seed on National Wildlife Refuge land, without scientific cause. The crops planted on NWR lands, like the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County, are a key component of the ecosystems in which they are planted, providing cover and food for wildlife. Genetically-modified crops are scientifically safe and more sustainable than non-GMOs. GMO crops are more likely to withstand harsh weather, and are critical to increasing the population of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl inhabiting these lands. I applaud my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives for reversing the Fish & Wildlife Service's scientifically unsound policy."