U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida on March 31 introduced the United States Citrus Protection Act, which would prohibit the importation of commercially produced fresh citrus fruit from China. Scott stated the bill would further protect American jobs, ensure the integrity of domestic agriculture and reduce reliance on goods produced by regimes that pose a threat to the United States.
This legislation follows Scott’s letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The letter outlined several of his priorities for American agriculture, including protecting American farmers from foreign influence and exploitation.
“Communist China is an adversary to the United States and one of the greatest threats to our national security, economic security, food security and American way of life,” Scott said. “For years, we have seen how Communist China seeks global dominance and is willing to undermine our markets, circumvent trade practices and destroy American businesses to do so. This is a regime that doesn’t play by our rules, follow our safety standards or have Americans’ best interests in mind. Florida growers have seen that firsthand with the devastation of citrus greening, which originated in China. My bill, the United States Citrus Protection Act, stands up for American citrus growers by stopping the import of these products from Communist China. Every American can take a stand, too. We can make the choice to stop buying anything made in Communist China and instead support American growers, American jobs and American products.”
Congressman Greg Steube of Florida is leading this legislation in the House of Representatives. “Grocery stores in America should be stocked with oranges, tangerines, grapefruits and other fruits harvested right here in the United States,” Steube said earlier this year. “My bill prioritizes U.S. growers by banning citrus imports from China, ensuring Florida farmers come first.”
Source: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott
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