Representative Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) issued the following statement to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) after the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry approved H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011.

“I was pleased that the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced H.R. 872, The Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act. During these difficult economic times, it is imperative that government regulations do not impede economic growth. I, along with many of my colleagues in the House Agriculture Committee, urge Majority Leader Reid to swiftly bring this bipartisan bill to the Senate floor for a vote. This legislation is a critical step to creating an environment where American job creators can prosper," said Representative DesJarlais.  

On March 31, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 872 in a bipartisan vote, 292-130. The legislation eliminates a costly and duplicative permitting requirement for the application of pesticides. This misguided court order will be implemented on October 31. Without a legislative fix, the requirement would impose an economic burden to agricultural producers, foresters, public health agencies, the federal government, state agencies, and every day citizens.