King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help the American Horticulture Industry Bloom

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), has introduced bipartisan legislation to prioritize domestic horticulturists and farmers, and strengthen the American floral industry. The American Grown Act would require the Executive Office of the President, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of State to only purchase flowers and cut greens grown in the United States.

"When the federal government spends taxpayer dollars on American-made products, those funds help small businesses, including many Maine people, succeed right here at home," said Senator King. "Under the current system, the vast majority of flowers and cut greens purchased by the U.S. government are foreign grown, meaning the economic benefits are flowing to foreign markets. The American Grown Act is an opportunity to prioritize American-grown flowers, a simple fix that will boost both our flower industry and economy at large."

"If there's one cause that can bring members of Congress together, it's the commitment to Buy American," Senator Sullivan said. "Every year, our federal agencies purchase millions of dollars' worth of flowers and greenery for official events and ceremonies using taxpayer dollars. This money should benefit our American farmers and growers. By making this straightforward, patriotic principle the law of the land, we can support the men and women who power this industry - including the hundreds of hardworking growers right here in Alaska."

"Alaska's floriculture industry has rightfully garnered global recognition, as we grow the largest, most vibrant peonies in the world. It is well past time that our domestic federal agencies - particularly the White House, State Department, and Department of Defense - support American cut-flower growers and strengthen local economies that benefit from this industry," said Senator Murkowski. "I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation once again, and sincerely hope my colleagues join us in standing up for American grown and domestic jobs."

"The American flower industry, and California in particular, grows vibrant flowers and greenery, and it's important that the hard work of our country's growers is supported," said Senator Schiff. "Our bipartisan bill ensures that the federal government continues to boost this robust industry while creating jobs and promoting American grown products."

Senator King is a staunch advocate for the Maine agriculture industry. Earlier this year, Senator King cosponsored the Honor Farmer Contracts Act which released withheld federal funding and allocated it back to farmers as Congress had intended. He is an original sponsor of the bipartisan Dairy PRIDE Act which combats the mislabeling of non-dairy products and requires accurate labeling of dairy and non-dairy products as mislabeling is harmful to dairy farmers selling their products in a crowded marketplace. Senator King also cosponsored the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give milk producers a greater voice in dairy pricing.

Additionally, Senator King is an annual cosponsor of the federal 'National Dairy Month' resolution. Earlier this year, he introduced the bipartisan Innovative Feed Enhance and Economic Development (FEED) Act to help cut red tape in the livestock feed sector. This summer, alongside Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), he introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for small farms and ranches to provide locally produced meats to consumers.

###