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November 04, 2005

Asian Business Provision Passes House

WASHINGTON, DC – Several Asian business owners reported problems at California ports after their legal merchandise was held for inspection for prolonged periods of time.  Congressman Adam Schiff and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard met with FDA inspectors, explained the concerns of the business owners and called for improvements to inspection practices.  As a result of these meetings the House of Representatives passed a provision that directs the FDA to work closely with and be more responsive to the concerns of ethnic food importers. 

“Congresswoman Roybal-Allard and I are working together to protect small business owners and ensure the federal government treats importers fairly while protecting our nation’s security,” said Congressman Schiff.

“The need to quickly move imported ethnic foods is extremely important to our many Asian-American constituents, and I am pleased that the Appropriations Committee, on which I serve, has emphasized its importance to the Food and Drug Administration.  We'll continue to work closely with FDA and local businesses to resolve any bureaucratic problems that prevent safe and needed foods from reaching the marketplace in a timely manner,” said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. 

If your family or business is having a problem with a federal agency please contact Schiff’s Pasadena office at 626-304-2727.  

Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees.  He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.