SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 33

(By Senators Boley, Unger, Edgell, Rowe, Plymale, Guills, Bowman, Snyder, Prezioso, Jenkins, Minard, McKenzie, Sharpe, Ross, Dempsey, Love, Facemyer, Hunter, Weeks, Smith, Minear, Bailey, Caldwell, Fanning, White, McCabe, Kessler, Helmick and Tomblin, Mr. President)


Requesting the United States government, including President George W. Bush, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and members of West Virginia's congressional delegation, expedite funding to improve the security of farm produce grown in West Virginia and other states.

Whereas, There is a real threat that enemies of this country will attempt to commit acts of terrorism which will injure or kill many citizens; and

Whereas, Enemy agents and terrorist sleeper cells may already have the means to poison or contaminate food sources, including farm produce, in this country; and

Whereas, No state or local authority has the resources or manpower to provide the necessary security and surveillance that is required to protect these food sources, including farm produce, from sabotage or contamination by acts of terrorism without the help and support of the federal government; and

Whereas, An improvement in the state's ability to provide
surveillance would enhance the ability of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture in providing the leadership and coordination necessary to ensure a safe supply of farm produce in this state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature hereby requests the United States Government, including President George W. Bush, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and West Virginia's congressional delegation, expedite funding to improve the security of farm produce grown in West Virginia and other states; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby requested to forward a copy of this resolution to President George W. Bush, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and the members of West Virginia's congressional delegation.