Letter to the House of Representatives to Support for
Country of Origin Labeling Enhancement Act

April 8, 2004

Member of Congress
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Member:

We write today representing millions of Americans who support mandatory country-of-origin labeling to request your support and cosponsorship of the Country-of-Origin Labeling Enhancement Act, (H.R. 3993) that ensures labeling is implemented by Sept. 30, 2004, as scheduled in the farm bill.

The fiscal year 2005 omnibus appropriations bill included a provision which delayed the implementation for country-of-origin labeling (COOL) by two years on all commodities but fish. The Americans for Country of Origin Labeling (ACOL) coalition maintains its commitment to seeing COOL implemented on time for fruits, vegetables, peanuts, red meat and fish.

Support for labeling remains strong across the country among producers and consumers. President Bush stated in a recent speech, "I want the world to 'buy America.' The best products are those . (applause) Listen: the best products on any shelf anywhere in the world says, 'Made in the USA'." We certainly agree with the president and look forward to working with him to ensure products on U.S. grocery store shelves say, "Made in the USA" by this fall.

The Bono-Hooley COOL Enhancement Act restores the implementation date back to September 2004, eases the recordkeeping and fine burden on retailers and allows for the labeling program to work simultaneously with a national animal identification program once such a program is operational.

Again, we strongly encourage you to support and cosponsor the Country-of-Origin Labeling Enhancement Act of 2004 and look forward to working with you to see its timely passage.

Sincerely,