WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX), chairman of the House Rules Committee, today issued the following statement on the House’s passage of a bill that would return the state of pesticide regulation to the status quo of a 2006 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule:
“After an EPA rule – that reflects long-standing views about the use of pesticides in cities, on farms, ranches, forests, and the like – was overturned, many Americans who properly and safely use pesticides were forced to comply with additional regulations. Approximately 365,000 individuals have needed to act in accordance with a costly permitting process, and, in turn, fear frivolous lawsuits when it comes to simply doing their jobs or taking care of their land. This issue gains added significance as our nation fears an outbreak of the Zika virus, and pesticides may prove to be a vital factor in combating its spread. I applaud passage of this bill, which provides safe and effective guidelines for the use of pesticides, and urge the president to take immediate action on this important legislation.”
For more information on H.R. 897, Zika Vector Control Act, click here.
###