Murkowski: Buy flowers, greens grown in America

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to require that certain federal agencies only procure cut flowers and cut greens grown in the United States.

“Nationwide, cut-flower growers are making significant investments in America’s economy. Alaska’s ability to grow some of the world’s largest, most vibrant peonies, which bloom later in the season than our competitors around the globe, also provides economic opportunities for Alaska’s farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and their employees,” Sen. Murkowski said. “Our federal agencies… should support American floriculture by purchasing American-grown flowers to help this industry thrive.”

Sen. Murkowski on July 29 joined U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) as original cosponsors of the American Grown Act, S. 2542, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and is the companion bill to the same-named H.R. 4613, which U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-AK) introduced on July 21 with a bipartisan group of five original cosponsors.

If enacted, the measure would require the Executive Office of the President, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. State Department to buy only American grown cut flowers and cut greens, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Murkowski’s staff.

“I am proud to sign on as an original cosponsor of this legislation led in the Senate by Senator Sullivan and introduced in the House by Congressman Young. I hope it will come to a vote quickly,” said Sen. Murkowski.