051109 Senate Delays “Origin” Meat LabelingNovember 05, 2005Washington - Despite the efforts of Wyoming's two senators, the Senate on Thursday approved a two- year delay on labels telling grocery shoppers where their meat comes from. The measure was part of a $100 billion food and farm spending bill sent to President Bush. Approved on an 81-18 vote, the food and farm spending bill would postpone mandatory meat labeling until 2008. Originally sought by Western ranchers and required by law in 2004, country-of-origin labeling has stalled under pressure from meatpackers and supermarkets who call it a record-keeping nightmare. Both of Wyoming's Republican senators voted against the bill and denounced the delay. "I'm extremely disappointed that Congress has once again refused to recognize that consumers have a right to know where our food is coming from," said Sen. Craig Thomas. "Artists sign their work. Authors pen their books with pride. American ranchers and farmers want to sign their work too," Sen. Mike Enzi said.
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