Derek Schmidt

Criminal History Access Act of 2026

introduced

Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act

in committee

Restoring Executive Branch Authorities to Oversee Offices of the United States Attorneys Act of 2026

in committee

“Mr. SCHMIDT. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, No. 43, which would direct the secretaries of agriculture and health and human services to enter into a memorandum of understanding to conduct collaborative research related to increasing the domestic production of crops that can be used to produce natural food colors. With growing interest among consumers in foods containing no synthetic food dyes, the demand for natural alternatives is increasing. Currently, the United States lacks domestic production of natural food dyes, requiring these dyes to be sourced from overseas. This increased demand for natural food colors presents an opportunity for American agriculture to step into the gap and grow the crops necessary to produce the brightly colored foods that so many of us enjoy. Working together, under the direction of my amendment, USDA and HHS will work to identify the barriers that exist to producing these crops domestically and processing them into the natural dyes that can be used by American food companies. I am grateful to Chairman Thompson and the Agriculture Committee staff for working with me on this amendment and for including it in the en bloc amendment. I am also grateful to the industry groups who worked with us on this issue. I include in the Record a letter of support for my amendment signed by seven industry groups. Mr. Chair, thank you for your consideration. I urge the adoption of my amendment as part of the en bloc package, and passage of the long- overdue Farm Bill. April 28, 2026. Hon. Derek Schmidt, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Schmidt: As representatives of food and ingredient manufacturers and suppliers, we write to share our support for your Amendment #204 to H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate activities to enhance the capacity of domestic producers to increase production of crops used in naturally derived food and beverage colorants. The U.S. food industry is currently managing a complex, system-wide shift in how color ingredients are sourced, produced, and incorporated into finished products. This transition is being driven by evolving regulatory frameworks and supply chain realities that will require alignment across agricultural production, ingredient processing, manufacturing systems, and distribution and retail channels. Coordinated federal engagement between USDA and HHS is essential to ensure that these interconnected elements develop in a practical, efficient, and economically viable manner. Enhancing the capacity of domestic producers to increase production of colorant crops presents a meaningful opportunity for U.S. agriculture, but doing so at scale will require deliberate planning, sustained research, and targeted investment. Key considerations include agronornic suitability across regions, identification of crops most effective for reliable colorant production, crop genetics, and the need to address barriers to scale such as pest and disease pressures, harvesting technology, and other production challenges. In addition, investment in processing and extraction infrastructure--such as juicing and extraction facilities-- and the development of stable, predictable markets for growers will be essential. In the absence of coordinated efforts, these factors may limit the pace, efficiency, and affordability with which domestic production capacity can be developed. At the same time, the current supply chain for many naturally derived colorant inputs is global in nature. U.S. manufacturers rely on established international sourcing channels, which introduces exposure to trade dynamics, regional production variability, and logistical constraints. Federal coordination that considers both domestic production capacity and global sourcing dependencies can help support continuity of supply as domestic capabilities are developed over time. From a manufacturing perspective, incorporating naturally derived colorants involves significant operational considerations. These ingredients often require different handling, processing conditions, and quality control approaches than traditional alternatives, and their successful integration may necessitate capital investments, process modifications, and updated supply chain management practices. Coordinated research, development, and demonstration of methods and technologies, along with information sharing across stakeholders, will be important to support efficient implementation while maintaining product consistency and regulatory compliance. Your amendment appropriately recognizes that this is not a single-agency issue. By establishing a framework for interagency coordination, competitive and merit-reviewed research, and collaboration across federal agencies, institutions of higher educati”

2026-04-30 · Economy

“Mr. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of fellow lifelong Kansan, John Brewster ``J.B.'' Hodgdon, who passed away on June 13, 2025. J.B. was born on October 16, 1936, to Bruce and Amy Hodgdon in Kansas City, Kansas. He lived a life full of service, always giving back to his community, and I was proud call him my friend. While growing up in America's Heartland, J.B. and his brother Bob helped with the family business, which he eventually entered full time in 1959 after graduating from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. J.B.'s father served as an aerial gunnery instructor for the Navy. J.B. recalled that in grade school he and Bob would help their father by loading shot shells at night so their dad could prepare to teach his students the following day. With the grit and determination instilled in them by their parents, J.B. and Bob would grow Hodgdon Powder Company from operating at the family dining room table to the largest U.S. consumer supplier of smokeless and black powder substitute propellants. Hodgdon Powder Company is now a household name within the firearm and ammunition industry and among handloading and muzzleloading enthusiasts. Passion for hunting and the shooting sports runs deep in the Hodgdon blood. J.B. was an unwavering supporter of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, life benefactor member of the National Rifle Association, life member of the Kansas State Rifle Association, and a member of Safari Club of America, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and the National 4-H Shooting Sports. J.B. enjoyed growing the next generation of hunters and recreational shooters. He especially cherished his time with Philmont Scout Ranch, Scouting America's National High-Adventure Base in Cimarron, New Mexico. Along with his wife Anne and their charitable foundation, J.B. was integral in enhancing Philmont's success in serving our Nation's youth. For his leadership contributing to the success of the firearm industry, firearm ownership, and enjoyment of hunting and the shooting sports in America, J.B. was inducted into the National Shooting Sports Foundation Hall of Fame. He was also the recipient of the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Award, and he and his brother were awarded the NRA's Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. J.B. unquestionably touched countless lives and was highly respected, including by those in the firearm industry, on which he has left an indelible mark. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love for shooting sports and the outdoors, his utmost appreciation for first responders, passion for youth and scouting, and keen interest in classic cars. He will also be remembered as a man of faith and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. I thank Anne, his beloved wife of 28 years, his four sons, two stepchildren, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, for sharing J.B. with all of us who are blessed to have known him. I hope they find peace and comfort in celebrating a life well-lived. ____________________”

2025-06-25 · Government Reform