January 7, 2025
Contents
- What We’re Watching
- Notable News
- This Week’s Legislation
- Upcoming Hearings
- Contact the Team
What We’re Watching
Congress
Speaker Update
On Friday, members of Congress re-elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for another term. In a somewhat unexpected development, Speaker Johnson was able to reach the necessary 218 votes in the first ballot when two GOP members that initially opposed him switched their votes to Johnson. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) was the only GOP member who did not end up voting for Johnson. Following this vote, members were then sworn in for the 119th Congress.
Rules Update
In addition to electing the Speaker, the House passed a new set of rules for the 119th Congress. The new rules would raise the number of members needed to bring a motion to vacate to the floor from any one to nine . Additionally, the rule sets up votes on border security measures, requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, and to dissolving the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Committee Assignments
The Senate has released Committee assignments for both GOP and Democratic members. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Jim Justice (R-WV) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) will be joining the Senate Agriculture Committee. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) will serve as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will be taking over as the new Ranking Member.
In the House, Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson (R-PA) released his list of GOP members on the Committee, adding Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and freshman Members, Tony Weid (R-WI), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), Mark Harris (R-NC), Mark Messmer (R-IN), and David Taylor (R-OH). The full Democratic roster has yet to be announced, but Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) will take over as the Committee’s Ranking Member.
Administration
Vaden Tapped for Deputy Secretary
President-elect Trump announced Stephen Vaden, a judge on the Court of International Trade, to be the deputy secretary for USDA. He has served as general counsel for USDA during the first Trump administration. The announcement was made through Truth Social, also noting that Vaden was “a Member of the Board of the Commodity Credit Corporation, where he won two cases before the United States Supreme Court,” and “relocated and reorganized the Agencies that comprise the Department to better serve Rural America, and engaged in substantial regulatory reform.”
FDA Releases Announcement on PFAS
FDA issued a notice in the Federal Register that determines 35 food contact notifications (FCN) related to PFAS will no longer be effective. These FCNs have stopped production, supply, or use of the substances, and are mainly around grease-proofing substances for paper and paperboard food packaging. They will no longer be effective as of January 6, 2025.
FDA Releases Rulemaking on Foodborne Illness
The FDA has released a draft guidance for industry titled “Establishing Sanitation Programs for Low Moisture Ready-to-Eat Human Foods and Taking Corrective Actions Following a Pathogen Contamination Event.” The guidance will inform the FDA’s action on establishing a routine sanitation program for low-moisture ready-to-eat human foods (LMRTE foods) that can help prevent contamination of food or a food-contact surface with a pathogen. These foods include infant formula, peanut butter, nut butters, powdered drink mixes, chocolate, medical foods in powdered and paste forms, processed tree nuts, milk powders, powdered spices, snack foods such as chips and crackers, granola bars, and dry cereal. The deadline will be 120 days after publication in the federal register.
FDA Releases Draft Guidance for Plant-Based Food Labeling
The FDA also released its draft guidance for the labeling of plant-based food products. The new guidance recommends that manufacturers include more detailed information in the product label that identifies the primary source of the product, ie. soy, chickpea, etc. This guidance refers to plant-based alternatives to eggs, seafood, poultry, meat, and some dairy products, but not plant-based milk alternatives. The guidance does not create legally enforceable rules, but instead provides best practices recommended by the FDA. Comments on the guidance will be accepted until May 7, 2025.
FWS Hosts Public Listening Sessions on Monarch Listing
The Fish and Wildlife Service announced they will be hosting two public listening sessions on the proposed Monarch listing. The sessions will be held on January 14 and 15, and you can register here. Additionally, a 90-day comment period will open on December 12, 2024 and close on March 12, 2025.
Other
USMCA Panel Rules Against Mexico’s Biotech Corn Restrictions
On December 20, 2024, a USMCA dispute settlement panel unanimously ruled in favor of the United States regarding Mexico’s restrictions on genetically modified (GM) corn imports. The panel found that Mexico’s measures were not based on scientific principles and violated the trade agreement’s stipulations. Mexico has 45 days to comply with the ruling. While expressing disagreement, Mexico’s Economy Department indicated it would respect the decision. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for U.S. corn exporters, as Mexico is the largest importer of U.S. corn, predominantly used for livestock feed.
Notable News
- Mike Johnson Clinches Speakership In Stunning First Ballot – The Hill
- Shrinking Colorado River Could Increase Grocery Prices in 2025 – Newsweek
- Report: ILA-USMX to Resume Contract Negotiations for East/Gulf Coast Ports – The Maritime Executive
- How Saffron, a Precious Import, Became an American Cash Crop – New York Times
- US Surgeon General Calls For Cancer Warning Labels On Alcohol: What You Should Know – USA Today
This Week’s Legislation
- Legislative business has not begun in the new Congress yet.
Upcoming Hearings
- Hearings have not begun in the new Congress yet.
Contact the Team
Feel free to contact Michael Torrey, Tara Smith, Cassandra Kuball, Barbara Patterson, Katie Naessens, Julie McClure, Nona McCoy, Danielle Nelson, Ashley Smith, Olivia Lucanie, Caroline Snell, Heath Brandt, Tracy Boyle, or Grace Walker with any questions or comments.
Food and agricultural organizations that need the right results in Washington, D.C. can trust Torrey Advisory Group to put its relationships, reputation, and expertise to work on your issue. Since 2005, the firm has successfully provided legislative and regulatory guidance, issues management, and association management services to a wide variety of clients. Learn more about us at torreydc.com.
