U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) called on the Trump administration to explain the rationale behind a recent presidential executive order that will give immunity to producers of herbicides containing toxic chemicals.
Specifically, the executive order titled “Promoting the National Defense by Ensuring an Adequate Supply of Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides,” signed on Feb. 18, invokes the Defense Production Act to safeguard domestic production of these materials, declaring them critical to national security and citing supply chain vulnerabilities.
But Rep. Fitzpatrick seeks a more thorough explanation and he’s questioning the secretaries of Defense, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services about how they will oversee the administration of the executive order to both ensure the health of Americans is protected and to address the chronic disease epidemic.
“These chemicals, used in certain herbicides, have been linked to cancers across the country, and offering immunity for production of glyphosate under the 1950 Defense Production Act with no oversight or accountability measures risks future endangerment to Americans’ health,” Rep. Fitzpatrick wrote.
In addition to the rationale and oversight questions, the congressman asked the secretaries to explain what policies or proposals their agencies are working on to address the chronic disease crisis and to remove or limit harmful dyes and chemicals in the nation’s food supply.
“As our nation’s chronic disease epidemic persists, I ask that the administration remains focused on the positive gains that have been made,” wrote the congressman. “The elimination of harmful dyes and chemicals by industry leaders are crucial steps towards improving the overall health of our nation.”
Throughout his tenure in Congress, Rep. Fitzpatrick has consistently emphasized that national defense priorities must be pursued in tandem with transparency, scientific rigor, and accountability.
“Emergency powers should never come at the expense of long-term public health,” he said Monday in a related statement. “Americans deserve clarity, oversight, and confidence that protecting our security does not mean compromising their safety.”