Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) announced on Thursday, Feb. 5, that an official congressional hearing on the sugar industry will be held on the last week of February.
His office is currently organizing the list of attendees, and the statements and concerns of stakeholders that will be discussed, Benitez said.
“We have read the statements, listened to stakeholders, and engaged our farmers and workers on the ground on the challenges facing the sugar industry. These concerns are clear, and they deserve a proper venue for discussion,” Benitez said.
Benitez said he has spoken with Rep. Mark Enverga, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, and “we are moving this forward as an official congressional hearing on the sugar industry before the end of the month”.
He said his office is working closely with the Committee on all necessary preparations to ensure the hearing is focused, constructive, and grounded in the reality of the industry.
This is about protecting our sugar farmers and workers, strengthening the industry, and advocating for coordinated, long-term solutions that also account for consumer realities, Benitez said.
“We will continue to listen, engage, and do the work from the district level to the national stage,” he said.*
[sibwp_form id=1]