June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4239 POINT OF ORDER The point of order is sustained, and CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, Mr. LUCAS. Madam Chair, I make a the section is stricken from the bill. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, point of order against section 743 which The Clerk will read. Washington, DC, June 15, 2011. begins on page 78, line 24, and ends on The Clerk read as follows: Hon. JOHN A. BOEHNER, Speaker of the House, page 79, line 2, in that it violates House SEC. 744. None of the funds appropriated or The Capitol, Washington, DC. rule XXI, clause 2, by changing exist- otherwise made available by this Act or any DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Due to my appoint- ing law and inserting legislative lan- other Act may be used to pay the salaries ment to the House Committee on Transpor- guage in an appropriation bill. and expenses of personnel of the Department tation and Infrastructure, I hereby resign I ask for a ruling from the Chair. of Agriculture to provide any benefit de- my position with the House Committee on The Acting CHAIR. Does any Member scribed in section 1001D(b)(1)(C) of the Food Small Business. Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)(1)(C)) wish to be heard on the point of order? It has been an honor to serve as a Member to a person or legal entity if the average ad- of the Committee on Small Business, and I Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Chair, I justed gross income of the person or legal en- have been proud to work hard with my col- wish to be heard. tity exceeds $250,000. leagues to find solutions to the problems The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman POINT OF ORDER that small businesses face in America. I look from Massachusetts is recognized. Mr. LUCAS. Madam Chairman, I forward to representing the people of the 3rd Mr. MCGOVERN. Thank you, Madam make a point of order against section Congressional District of Tennessee as a Chair. Let me clarify what insisting on 744 which begins on page 79, line 3, and Member of the House Committee on Trans- this point of order means. ends on page 79, line 10, in that it vio- portation and Infrastructure. It means that the amendment that I appreciate the opportunity to have served lates House rule XXI, clause 2, by on the House Committee on Small Business, Ms. DELAURO offered in committee, changing existing law and inserting which was approved in the Appropria- and I look forward to working with you in legislative language in an appropria- the future. tions Committee, is nullified, which tion bill. Sincerely, means that Brazilian cotton farmers I ask for a ruling from the Chair. CHUCK FLEISCHMANN, get subsidies and poor pregnant women The Acting CHAIR. Does any Member Member of Congress. and children do not get the money for wish to be heard on the point of order? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without WIC. If not, the Chair will rule. objection, the resignation is accepted. b 1720 The Chair finds that this section ad- There was no objection. dresses funds in other acts. The sec- I have nothing against Brazilian cot- f tion, therefore, constitutes legislation ton farmers, but Brazil’s economy is RECESS in violation of clause 2 of rule XXI. doing pretty good right now. The point of order is sustained, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The Rules Committee could have pro- the section is stricken from the bill. ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair tected the money for WIC. The Rules The Clerk will read. declares the House in recess until ap- Committee waived points of order The Clerk read as follows: proximately 8 p.m. today. against a whole bunch of stuff in this Accordingly (at 5 o’clock and 25 min- bill except for three provisions. So it SEC. 745. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to enter into a con- utes p.m.), the House stood in recess wouldn’t have been unusual or extraor- tract, memorandum of understanding, or co- until approximately 8 p.m. dinary for the Rules Committee to pro- operative agreement with, make a grant to, f tect this provision. Many of us pleaded or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any with the committee to do just that, to corporation that any unpaid Federal tax li- b 2005 respect the work of the Appropriations ability that has been assessed, for which all Committee when it came to protecting judicial and administrative remedies have AFTER RECESS WIC, when it came to protecting poor been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is The recess having expired, the House pregnant women and children. not being paid in a timely manner pursuant was called to order by the Speaker pro to an agreement with the authority respon- tempore (Mr. KINGSTON) at 8 o’clock Madam Chair, my friends on the sible for collecting the tax liability. other side of the aisle say all the time and 5 minutes p.m. SPENDING REDUCTION ACCOUNT that they’re with us in trying to cut f excessive subsidies and putting the SEC. 746. The amount by which the applica- ble allocation of new budget authority made AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOP- focus back on the people here in the by the Committee on Appropriations of the United States who need help. This MENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMIN- House of Representatives under section ISTRATION, AND RELATED would have been an opportunity. If not 302(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 now, when are we going to do this? exceeds the amount of proposed new budget AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS So, Madam Chair, I would hope that authority is $0. ACT, 2012 my colleagues on the other side of the Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Chairman, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- aisle would reconsider and not insist on move that the Committee do now rise. ant to House Resolution 300 and rule their point of order. I think poor preg- The motion was agreed to. XVIII, the Chair declares the House in nant women and children in this coun- Accordingly, the Committee rose; the Committee of the Whole House on try who benefit from WIC are more im- and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. the State of the Union for the further portant right now than subsidizing CONAWAY) having assumed the chair, consideration of the bill, H.R. 2112. Brazilian cotton farmers. Mrs. MYRICK, Acting Chair of the Com- b 2006 Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Chair, I mittee of the Whole House on the state would like to speak to the point of of the Union, reported that that Com- IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE order. mittee, having had under consideration Accordingly, the House resolved The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman the bill (H.R. 2112) making appropria- itself into the Committee of the Whole from Georgia is recognized. tions for Agriculture, Rural Develop- House on the State of the Union for the Mr. KINGSTON. The gentleman says, ment, Food and Drug Administration, further consideration of the bill (H.R. If not now, when? It is our intention to and Related Agencies programs for the 2112) making appropriations for Agri- restore this at the proper place in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, culture, Rural Development, Food and bill, the DeLauro amendment. I wanted and for other purposes, had come to no Drug Administration, and related agen- to clarify that because we’ve discussed resolution thereon. cies programs for the fiscal year ending that, and we intend to follow through f September 30, 2012, and for other pur- with that. poses, with Mr. REED (Acting Chair) in The Acting CHAIR. The Chair is pre- RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF the chair. pared to rule. COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS The Clerk read the title of the bill. The Chair finds that this section ad- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- The Acting CHAIR. When the Com- dresses funds in other acts. The sec- fore the House the following resigna- mittee of the Whole rose earlier today, tion, therefore, constitutes legislation tion as a member of the Committee on the bill had been read through page 80, in violation of clause 2 of rule XXI. Small Business: line 2.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:23 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.140 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. KINGSTON they are proud of their product. To sound science in a process that was ap- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I have this occur and be promoted by the proved in January 2009, and they are have an amendment at the desk. Federal Government is wrong. going through a process right now to The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- So I’m trying to save money. But I’m make sure that this product does not port the amendment. also saying genetically we should never have a problem as respects human con- The Clerk read as follows: allow it to happen in the fishing indus- sumption. I think that, of course, At the end of the bill (before the short try. should be the number one issue. title), insert the following: I yield to the gentleman from Cali- There are also some other consider- SEC. ll. Each amount made available by fornia (Mr. FARR). ations in terms of food supply, feeding titles I through VI (other than an amount re- Mr. FARR. It’s my pleasure to join quired to be made available by a provision of more people, which is something that law) is hereby reduced by 0.78 percent. you in this amendment. I actually have we all have debated on this bill. And the best salmon caught in the lower 48 The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman also there is an issue with me about in Monterey Bay. A history of fishing from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- some jobs. So I’m concerned on this be- in Monterey, used to be the sardine utes. cause it does seem like a pretty major Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, this capital of the world. We’re very sen- change in my philosophy of sound amendment reduces certain accounts sitive to the fact that people are trying science. in the bill specified in the amendment to mess around with the natural proc- I yield to my friend from Alaska, who by 0.78 percent, and it fulfills a com- ess and the Food and Drug Administra- I think is out of time. mitment which the minority and the tion is set to approve genetically engi- Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I thank the majority had discussed earlier regard- neered salmon through a process the chairman. I believe whoever has given him that ing WIC funding. FDA uses to approve new drugs for ani- I yield back the balance of my time. mals. There’s something wrong with information is wrong. We have a prod- Mr. FARR. We accept the amend- the fact that in the approval process uct made in the United States natu- ment. our food is now treated the same as rally. Why would we want someone to The Acting CHAIR. The question is animal drugs. create a Frankenstein fish to compete on the amendment offered by the gen- If approved, genetically engineered against a naturally created God-given tleman from Georgia (Mr. KINGSTON). salmon would be the first genetically gift, and have it promoted by sup- The amendment was agreed to. modified animal allowed onto the posedly science? AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. YOUNG OF American dinner plate. Approval of ge- There’s no science in this. In fact, ALASKA netically engineered salmon poses seri- they were trying to do and say we have Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- ous threats to human health, our fish- to feed the world with artificial means. man, I have an amendment at the desk. ing communities, and our wildlife And I’m saying, okay. Do it someplace. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- stock fish. But don’t you do it with my and our port the amendment. They have no long-term studies on salmon. The Clerk read as follows: the safety of genetically engineered Mr. FARR, listen to me very care- At the end of the bill (before the short fish. There could be grave, unintended fully. This is a very, very important title), insert the following: consequences on human health. Pre- thing because this is the greatest thing SEC. ll. None of the funds made available liminary studies show that the com- we have going, Alaskan natural wild by this Act to the Food and Drug Adminis- pounds in genetically engineered salm- salmon being sold in the market and tration may be used to approve any applica- on may be linked to cancer and severe the benefit, what they can do to have it tion submitted under section 512 of the Fed- replaced by a genetic Frankenstein eral Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. drug allergies. 360b) for approval of genetically engineered We’ve seen that the dominant meth- fish. I’m saying this is wrong. All due salmon. od of raising salmon in other parts of respect to the chairman. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is the world is an open net, these pens in What science are they talking about? recognized for 5 minutes. the ocean, and farmed fish escape these They have a bunch of people created by Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- facilities every year. The impact of ge- the government that’s going to take man, my interest in here is because I netically engineered salmon escaping and put in, I call it traps or nets, and am from Alaska, and we have the finest could be detrimental to wild stocks. create a fish that’s fed quickly. They wild salmon in the world. And we have The list goes on and on and on. say it can grow quicker, we’re home. people that are trying to—and espe- Our fishing communities are already Well, what people are you talking cially under NOAA and FDA—trying to facing challenges, and genetically engi- about? Mr. DICKS, you better be listen- approve the fact that they have geneti- neered salmon would have an addi- ing because you catch most of my cally engineered a salmon. That’s not tional effect of lowering wild salmon salmon. Don’t you forget it. You had natural. prices, as already seen with normal better stand on the floor and defend farmed salmon. Lower prices, combined this because you’re in deep trouble if b 2010 with declines in wild salmon stocks, you don’t. I’ll tell you that right now. And our goal is, we have a supply of would be economically detrimental to The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman natural wild salmon for the State of our fishermen, our fishing culture, and will please direct his comments to the Alaska and for this Nation, because I our coastal communities. It is unneces- Chair. think that’s crucially important, espe- sary to genetically engineer salmon. Mr. KINGSTON. Reclaiming my cially in this day when we have all For these reasons, I support Mr. time, I don’t know all the ins and outs those that accuse us of having artifi- YOUNG’s amendment that prohibits of this, but I do know that we’re con- cial things, you know, pesticides, et funds to the FDA to approve geneti- stantly getting on the FDA to use more cetera. cally engineered salmon. sound science, less politics, and to have This is a good amendment. It’s an Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I yield back more transparency, and it appears that amendment supported by both sides of the balance of my time. that’s what they’re doing here. And the aisle. It’s not just Alaska. This is Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise they may come out against genetically also for California, Oregon, and the in opposition to the amendment. modified salmon, but they are just rest of it. But mostly, I am the Con- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman looking at it right now to determine. gressman from Alaska. I think it’s cru- from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- And with respect to the food supply, cially important we understand that utes. if you could safely produce genetically this should not be allowed, for the FDA Mr. KINGSTON. I do not have the ex- modified fish, you could feed a great to say, okay, a genetically raised salm- pertise that my friend from Alaska has portion of the world with it. So I have on—I call it a Frankenstein fish— on it, but I wanted to say this. Earlier, some concerns on it, but I did want to should never be allowed in our mar- or actually during the markup, Mr. oppose the amendment. kets. REHBERG offered an amendment about Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong I have a group of individual Alaskans the FDA using sound science. And I do support of my colleague from Alaska, Mr. who not only make their living, but believe, in this case, the FDA is using YOUNG’s amendment to prohibit funding for the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:23 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.143 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4241 Food and Drug Administration to approve ge- SEC. ll. None of the funds made available cannot do; nor does Congress usually netically engineered salmon. by this Act may be used (1) to provide elec- substitute its opinion of what’s good The FDA is considering an application to tronic notifications to the Committee on Ag- science for the professional judgments sell patented genetically engineered salmon riculture of the House of Representatives on of competitive grant peer review pan- travel relating to any ‘‘know your farmer, for human consumption. This fish would be know your food’’ initiatives or (2) in con- els. By singling out a small piece of the given a gene from an eel-like Pout fish and a travention of the Agriculture and Food Re- agricultural research agenda and by growth hormone from the Pacific Chinook search Initiative priority research area spec- substituting the committee’s judgment salmon, which would allow it to grow twice as ified in subsection (b)(2)(F) of the Competi- for that of researchers and educators, fast as traditional Atlantic salmon. tive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant the Agriculture appropriations bill re- If the FDA approves the request, it would be Act (7 U.S.C. 450i). port sets up a roadblock to innovation the first genetically engineered animal ap- The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman and diversity in American agriculture proved for human consumption, and it would is recognized for 5 minutes. and growth in the rural economy. open the door for many more. Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Chair, In response to this misguided report Unfortunately, the FDA evaluation process this amendment would combat the mis- language, this amendment will prohibit has lacked transparency, failing to provide the guided report language written to at- the USDA from using funds to fulfill public adequate information or sufficient time tack local and regional food systems. the additional and burdensome report- to provide comment or express concern. And By passing this amendment, we will ing requirements proposed for Know a recent poll found that 91 percent of Ameri- send an important message to farmers, Your Farmer—Know Your Food. The cans oppose FDA approval of genetically engi- consumers, and community leaders amendment would also prohibit USDA neered animals for human consumption. around the country: Local and regional from using funds to carry out activities Mr. Chair, I’m also concerned about the po- food systems are critically important. contrary to the current research prior- tential commercial impact of G.E. salmon. They provide economic opportunities ities that Congress established in the Salmon fishermen in my district and many oth- for rural communities and healthy food last farm bill. ers along the Pacific coast have been dev- for consumers. I know my colleagues on the other astated in recent years by fishery closures. Local food systems are the backbone side of the aisle are going to say it’s Last year’s salmon season was limited to just of economies across the country. In time to cut budgets and reduce deficits. 8 days because of the continued steep decline order to ensure local food systems I also believe in fiscal responsibility. in the salmon population. work to their maximum potential, Con- This is not about fiscal discipline; this Because G.E. salmon are more sexually ag- gress must support research, thriving is about priorities. gressive and resistant to environmental toxins, programs, and devote more, not less, Last year, we spent a staggering $548 their escape would pose a catastrophic threat funding to enhance this work. billion to fund the Department of De- to wild salmon populations. You know, no matter what group I’m fense and an equally unbelievable $158 If just 60 of these G.E. fish find their way talking to, whether it’s members of the billion on continued operations in Iraq into a population of sixty thousand wild salm- credit unions or realtors or teachers, and Afghanistan. By comparison, the on, the wild species would fade into extinction when I start talking about improving entire Agriculture Department is fund- in a matter of decades. the quality of food we serve our kids, ed with 20 percent of what we spend on While its producer claims that genetically improving local food systems, and defense, and the research priorities we engineered salmon would be sterile, FDA’s knowing where your food comes from, I are talking about in this amendment own documents show that five percent of this look around the room and everybody is are funded with one-half of 1 percent of G.E. salmon would, in fact, be able to repro- nodding. Across the board, these issues the total agriculture budget. duce. are important to people, and this is I urge my colleagues to join me in Each year, millions of farmed salmon es- where there is real energy for growth supporting farmers, in supporting local cape from open-water nets, threatening wild in the economy. food production, and consumers who fish populations. Even if a small number of fer- The language included in the report want to know where their food comes tile G.E. salmon spilled into nature, our wild was designed to criticize and hamstring from. It’s good for our local commu- salmon and fisherman would be suffering the efforts that are underway at the USDA nities, our local economies, and it’s consequences for years to come—possibly for to create jobs, to increase farm income, good for our country. evermore. and to bolster the economy through Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- I want to thank my good friend DON YOUNG the development of local and regional ance of my time. for his hard work on this important issue and food systems. The language targets Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise his leadership as co-chair of the Congres- local and regional food system develop- in opposition to the amendment. sional Caucus on Wild Salmon . . . even ment in two ways: The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman though he considers my salmon ‘‘bait’’ for his First, it demands overly burdensome from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- fishers. reporting requirements of the USDA’s utes. I look forward to continuing to work with him Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I op- and other concerned colleagues to protect our initiative. USDA developed this initia- pose this amendment, and I don’t quite natural fisheries and stop this ‘‘frankenfish.’’ tive to streamline the implementation understand what the problem is with I urge my colleagues to support this amend- of existing programs authorized by the bill language at all. ment. For consumer safety, for the purity of Congress in the last farm bill. Here’s what it does: the report lan- our waters, and for the continued viability of guage, which this amendment tries to our fishing industry . . . we must block fund- b 2020 strike, it simply tells the Secretary of ing for the FDA to approve genetically engi- ‘‘Know Your Farmer—Know Your USDA to notify the committee of any neered salmon. Food’’ is not a standalone program and trips related to the Know Your Farmer Mr. KINGSTON. I yield back the bal- does not have its own budget. Creating initiative and include the agenda and ance of my time. additional burdensome reporting re- the cost to the American taxpayers. It The Acting CHAIR. The question is quirements would delay program im- doesn’t prevent them from doing this. on the amendment offered by the gen- plementation and distract the USDA It simply says let us know. It also says tleman from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG). from addressing the economic chal- put this information on the Web page. The amendment was agreed to. lenges of rural communities. So if Know Your Farmer is that impor- AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MS. PINGREE OF Second, the report language ex- tant, why would USDA have any oppo- MAINE presses concern with USDA research, sition to this at all? In fact, I don’t Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Chair, I education, and extension activities as- know that USDA does. have an amendment at the desk. sociated with local and regional food I also want to say that, as somebody The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- systems through the Agriculture and who represents rural southeast Geor- port the amendment. Food Research Initiative, AFRI. gia, there is this nostalgic idea that The Clerk read as follows: While Congress sets broad research somehow the further food travels the At the end of the bill (before the short policies for USDA, Congress does not more evil it becomes. But if you look title), insert the following new section: usually dictate what research USDA at a plate of fresh vegetables that you

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:01 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JN7.060 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 may have eaten sometime today, that lettuce consumed in the United States grants and program management ac- food traveled a long way. In fact, as- in one county in California that I rep- tivities. paragus travels a long way. Lettuce— resent. Part of that is this program b 2030 my friend, Mr. FARR, gave me an arti- now that they’re doing, which is Know cle earlier today. I think 59 percent of Your Farmer—Know Your Food. All of these entities within the USDA the lettuce in America comes from his Consumers can go with their cell already have marketing tools to reach one district. phones into a grocery store; and be- out to applicants in the local commu- Now, if we start confining that to cause of the barcode there, they can nity and work with them. Programs Monterey County, it might be great for ZIP it and it immediately comes up the that issue grants from USDA would not the folks in Monterey County, but I farmer who grew that food saying this be affected or lose a single cent of don’t mind eating California lettuce is who I am and this is where I grew it funding from my amendment. Let me because if the California farmers can and this is how many days it takes to repeat: Grants and program manage- do it for less money and I can get let- get to you, and all the things you ment activities from USDA do not lose tuce year round for less money, that’s might want to—if we’re going to edu- a cent of funding under my amend- not a bad thing. So I think some of the cate people about nutrition, I can’t ment. Rather, it would strike the re- assumption that food traveling is a bad think of a more exciting way to do it. dundant Know Your Farmer—Know idea, I think it’s flawed in itself. And to require that the Department Your Food effort by the USDA to ad- But I want to get back to this bill re- has to essentially do this gestapo, vertise their programs and ensure that port language. It simply says to the looking at every time you move you the money in the grants and in the pro- USDA, let us know how much you’re have to report to a higher authority on gram management activities would be going to spend. And why is that so im- your initiative and on your entire trip spent on the activities that are author- portant? I want my friend from Cali- and the agenda and cost, we don’t do ized. My staff has been told by people fornia to know that if you look that for anybody else in the Federal at the USDA that grant issuing and through the USDA budget request for Government, and I don’t think we farmer and consumer programs will FY12, there’s not one mention of Know should do it for our farmers or for our continue to operate as normal without Your Farmer—Know Your Food. It’s an members of the U.S. Department of Ag- this duplicative effort. initiative. There has not been a budget riculture who are supporting our farm- Mr. Chairman, there has been a lot of request for it. If there was a budget re- ers. erroneous information put out there in quest for it for $3 million or $30 mil- So I support this amendment very relation to my amendment, and I lion, then we could have something we strongly. would like to take some time to clear could be debating about. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- it up. But what it is, is an initiative; and ance of my time. It doesn’t affect any USDA grant or all we’re asking is, if you go forward The Acting CHAIR. The question is program management funds already with this—and we don’t stop them from on the amendment offered by the gen- existing because Know Your Farmer— going forward with it—we’re just say- tlewoman from Maine (Ms. PINGREE). Know Your Food does not issue grants. ing we want to know how much it’s The question was taken; and the Act- Nor does it manage any programs. But going to cost. So I do not believe that ing Chair announced that the noes ap- it is a circumvention of the authority it’s bad report language at all, and I peared to have it. and defeats the intent of Congress strongly oppose the amendment. Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Chair- when we are the ones who should be au- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- man, I demand a recorded vote. thorizing programs and budgets. So I ance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to think that this is a program that we do Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I move to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- not need, and I believe that it should strike the last word. ceedings on the amendment offered by be abolished, because when the USDA The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman the gentlewoman from Maine will be wants a program, it should be coming from California is recognized for 5 min- postponed. to the Congress to get authorization utes. AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. FOXX for that program. Mr. FARR. I strongly support this Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I have an There is a specific violation against amendment because the language in amendment at the desk. establishing a program in the author- the bill—I’m going to read it to you. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will ization that would have set up slush It’s one paragraph, but it’s the most designate the amendment. funds in the Secretary’s office, and I draconian language because we’ve The text of the amendment is as fol- think this is similar to that. It allows never done this before ever in an ag lows: the department to take money from ex- bill. It says: ‘‘The committee directs At the end of the bill (before the short isting programs, put it into this pro- the Department to provide an elec- title), insert the following: gram, and spend them the way that tronic notification to the committee at SEC. ll. None of the funds made available they wish to, and I don’t think that is least 72 hours prior to any travel in by this Act may be used to support any an appropriate expenditure of funding support of the Know Your Farmer— Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initia- that we have authorized. Know Your Food initiative, and such tive of the Department of Agriculture. Therefore, I urge passage of my notification shall include the agenda of The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman amendment. the entire trip along with the cost to from North Carolina is recognized for 5 I yield back the balance of my time. U.S. taxpayers. Additionally, the com- minutes. Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in mittee directs the Department to post Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, it’s very opposition to the amendment. media advisories for all such trips on interesting that I came into the Cham- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman its Web site, and that such advisories ber at this time because my amend- from California is recognized for 5 min- include the same information.’’ ment also has to do with Know Your utes. My God, we don’t do this to know Farmer—Know Your Food. Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in your soldier, to know your veteran, to I am very concerned about this pro- opposition because I cannot, for the life know your school teacher, to know gram because it is not an authorized of me, understand why you are so anybody else that’s in the public serv- program by the Congress. I am very afraid of Know Your Farmer—Know ice, to know your law enforcement offi- concerned that we have our executive Your Food. They say, well, we need to cer; and yet they’re doing this for branch off doing all kinds of things have this program authorized. My god, Know Your Farmer? that it has no business doing, from we went to war without authorizing it. This program, as Mr. KINGSTON point- fighting wars to running programs that We spent all that money, and half the ed out, we just had the ag report come they weren’t authorized to run. people don’t even question it. And you out and I’m very proud that one county This program, in my opinion, con- want to question Know Your Farmer— in my district does $4 billion worth of ducts duplicative marketing methods Know Your Food? agriculture, as pointed out in that re- by taking funds from programs that al- I think this is a direct attack on the port, that grows 59 percent of all the ready exist within USDA through White House initiative, which is about

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:01 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.151 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4243 nutrition, which is about trying to get Ms. FOXX. I want to thank my col- are doing; we can’t tell you if we are people—I mean, we talked about this league from Texas for yielding to me, having any effect, to be done away yesterday, about how you have places and I want to respond to our colleague with. And any program that answers a in this country that are food deserts. from California. Member of Congress that way should be You have places where there are no I am not afraid of a program. I am immediately eliminated. grocery stores. There are 7–Elevens. afraid, as my colleague from Texas has Mr. FARENTHOLD. Reclaiming my They don’t have fresh fruits and vege- indicated, of the executive branch con- time for just a second, I too am trying tables. People can’t go down to a local tinuing to overstep its bounds and de- to lose weight and would much prefer store and find fresh fruits and vegeta- velop programs that have no authoriza- to work with my doctor and trainer bles. tion and do the things that it has no than the USDA. So what do we do? This committee business doing without authorization I yield back the balance of my time. puts money into the USDA to help from Congress. Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Chair, I farmers markets get established in I find it interesting that my col- move to strike the last word. these tough areas, to encourage farm- league would bring up the fact that we The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman ers to come in, and at the same time went to war without authorization. I is recognized for 5 minutes. Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Chair- teach people who have never shopped believe that was his President who did man, I just wanted to engage a little for fresh fruits and vegetables, never that, and I voted resoundingly not to bit more in this conversation that we been to a farmers market. do that. We have actually tied in, in my dis- I also want to sympathize with my had, both about the previous amend- trict, the issuing of food stamps and colleague from California. I am cer- ment and about my good friend from North Carolina’s concern about this WIC vouchers so that they will spend tainly doing my best to lose weight, particular program called Know Your them right there, and 65 percent of the too. I think it is a struggle that most income that comes to the farmers at Farmer—Know Your Food. of us, particularly in this body, have. the farmers markets comes from them. b 2040 So this is all part of the initiatives to But I can tell you that I am not look- get people to know about agriculture. ing to the Department of Agriculture I have the great privilege of serving Milk doesn’t come from a carton. Food to give me my nutrition information. I on the Agriculture Committee. I’ve doesn’t come from a grocery store. It know how to find that nutrition infor- heard the Secretary speak to us about gets grown somewhere by a farmer, he mation, and I think most Americans his interest in increasing the number and his wife. And we are trying to get know how to do that, and we don’t need of farms in our country, in getting to kids to know something about agri- a special program in the Department of know our farmers better, and in mak- culture. We are putting in school gar- Agriculture to do that. ing sure people have more knowledge dens. All of this is part of Know Your We have got to commit to bringing about where their food comes from. Farmer—Know Your Food, and you government spending under control, I have to just stand back and say for want to strike it. and we are going to do everything that a minute that it’s after 8:30 on a busy What is this? Is this some kind of we can. While no money will be cut night. We’re still in the middle of de- conspiracy that you are afraid of? Peo- from the appropriations by this amend- bating this bill at a time when our ple might learn a little bit about where ment, it removes a program that is not economy is in peril, when we have huge food comes from in America, and there authorized that gives part of the De- challenges before us, when we are at is organic food and that you have partment of Agriculture an argument war in two countries. I just personally choices and you just don’t have to eat for why they need money. have to say I am baffled about why we everything that is packaged and proc- I think that in many cases what hap- are even having this debate. I was baf- essed and full of salts and sugars and pens in these executive branch depart- fled about why this report language additives and preservatives? ments is that when their own entity would be there that slows down re- What are we afraid of? What are we begins to lose its need for being, they search on local farming, that tries to afraid of? My God, to strike it, or tell begin to look out there for, What is the stop a program that’s not even funded, the department that they can’t do this, latest trend? What can we do in this and that coordinates a lot of good ef- I think it is not in our best intentions, Department to justify our existence? I forts going on in the Department of and it is not smart nutrition. think that that is what happens in Agriculture. We are trying to get people, I know, many, many cases, and you get the I will say, I kind of think back to the because I am trying to lose weight and continuation. As Ronald Reagan said, way I look at our country. We were it is a very hard thing to change your the nearest thing to immortality is a based on agriculture and farming. I had character, to change your eating hab- Federal Government program, and I the good fortune to be born in Min- its. Unless we do that, we are going to think that is what happens in many de- nesota even though I represent Maine. grow a lot of Americans who aren’t partments, not just the Department of Both sets of my grandparents were going to be very healthy because they Agriculture. Scandinavian immigrants. They came don’t know their farmer and they don’t I have great respect for much of what because there was rich farmland, beau- know their food. And if you strike this the Department of Agriculture does, tiful opportunities. My grandfather ability for the department to go out and I think it is providing vital serv- was a dairy farmer. My uncle was a and do that kind of outreach, we are ices in many areas. But, again, this is dairy farmer. My cousin still runs a going to have a less healthy America. not an area that we need the Federal I yield back the balance of my time. farm and works with livestock. I went Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Chairman, I Government to be involved in. We don’t to college to study agriculture, and I move to strike the last word. need this program. own my own farm today. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman Frankly, my colleague asked me So I think about, isn’t this what from Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. what I am afraid of the program for. America is all about—knowing your Mr. FARENTHOLD. You know, we in What I don’t understand is why our col- farmer? knowing where your food came this Congress or Congresses of the past league from Maine doesn’t want report- from? understanding what the basic have ceded a lot of our authority to ex- ing from this program. He didn’t ask principles are of growing and of using ecutive agencies. We have given them her that question. Why is she con- our land? What in the world are we lots of power to regulate. They are tak- cerned that we ask for reporting mech- talking about? It’s as if black is white ing over and doing an awful lot. Know anisms? Because we have asked the De- and white is black and as if everything Your Farmer—Know Your Food is an- partment, How much money are you is turned upside down. other example of an agency going be- spending on this program? They cannot I grew up in Minnesota and Maine. yond what needs to be done and is answer. What effect are you having? Both States have a rich farming herit- something I feel they should come They cannot answer. There are no re- age. We couldn’t be more proud of the back to Congress for. sults. There is no cost-benefit analysis. families and of the people who work With that, I would like to yield to It is time that any program that hard on the land. We couldn’t be more the gentlewoman from North Carolina says, We can’t tell you how much we proud of having vigorous farmers’ mar- (Ms. FOXX). are spending; we can’t tell you what we kets, of having people who are able to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:27 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.155 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 go to a farm stand and say to the farm- where we buy our food from China? I time—I’m going to give you seven er, ‘‘How did you grow this? What’s be- mean this is America. This is a tradi- things that I thought about in just sit- hind this? Tell me about what’s grow- tion of our country. How could we pos- ting here during the course of the last ing in your field.’’ I mean, this is sibly think that anything is wrong speech. America. This is how our country was with promoting or researching local Number one: This administration has built. foods and having a program that just declared war on the community banks, If there is one tragedy that’s going coordinates it all? which are the fiber and the heart of on today, it’s the reduction in the Ms. FOXX. Will the gentlewoman small communities. That’s where farm- number of farms and in the families yield? ers get their loans. Farmers need cred- who can no longer hold onto their Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Absolutely it. We need stability and banking laws farms, whose mortgages are being fore- not. As much as I appreciate my col- to help farmers. closed on, who don’t have enough mar- league from North Carolina, I’m not Number two: We need consistent reg- kets. If there is anything the Secretary giving up one second to talk about the ulations and regulations that don’t is telling us it is that we want more fact that in my State, we are proud of send the EPA out on the farm to play people to know about their farms, that our farmers. We are proud of our big ‘‘I gotcha.’’ You may know right now, we want to have local access to farm- farms that grow potatoes and blue- Mr. Chairman, that for organic chick- ing, that we want to have people come berries and that grow apples. We are ens—and I know my friend from Cali- to farmers’ markets. proud of our fishermen, and we are fornia probably knows this—you have I spend a lot of time visiting school proud of the fact that more young peo- the FDA requiring that they be raised cafeterias, and many of the schools in ple want to get into farming. on a slab of concrete and the USDA my district are very engaged with buy- There are more markets for farming saying, no, they can’t be. So we have ing food locally. They realize that, if than there ever were before today. Part two Federal agencies with two dif- they’re going to deal with childhood of it is because people like to buy their ferent regulations for one product. obesity, one of the things they have to food locally because they are so excited Farmers need regulatory consistency. do is get kids to eat more vegetables. about the opportunity of going to a Number three: We need an H–2A pro- One thing that really works is to have farm stand where you actually see the gram. Absolutely, we’ve got to get those young people know the farmers, farmer, where you see how it’s grown, labor out there and a good guest work- and many schools have little gardens where you feel comfortable about what er program that works. Number four: We need free trade out back. goes into your food, where you know agreements. We have had sitting on the I visited Longfellow Elementary how it was slaughtered, where you desk of the White House free trade School in Portland, Maine, just re- know so much more about it, where agreements with South Korea, Colom- cently. Those kids have a little plot of we’re raising our kids to say, ‘‘You bia and Panama, and this administra- carrots. It’s not that every lunch has know what? Vegetables are good for tion won’t move them. That will create one of those carrots on the menu, but you,’’ and here they are right in front it’s for those kids to say, ‘‘I grew a car- lots of markets for farmers. of you. Number five: We need estate tax re- rot, and now I want to eat more of I can’t possibly imagine why this re- lief. If you want to keep the family them.’’ I was at the Bonny Eagle Mid- port language was there in the first farm in the family, then get rid of the dle School. They have a little green- place, why my colleague would want to death tax so that it can be passed on to house. I sat down to eat with those strike everything about Know Your the next generation. kids, and they were eating kale, kale Farmer—Know Your Food. Number six: You need to have a good and garlic; and they were proudly I yield back the balance of my time. crop insurance program. More than any showing it off to me about how they Mr. KINGSTON. I move to strike the other farm program, farmers want a grow kale, about how they know where last word. good crop insurance program. it comes from. Many of them have vis- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman Number seven: We need to cut the red ited with farmers. They’ve seen the from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- tape out so that you can get to your farmers come down the road. utes. local market. If you’re a local farmer, I can’t possibly imagine why anyone Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I it is impossible to sell right now to would want to put language in that want to make sure I answer this ques- your local high school because of many says you have to strike a program like tion, because I’m hearing from our col- Federal regulations. The small farmers this that’s not even funded, that’s just league that she can’t possibly imagine can’t compete with the big folks on a way of the Secretary saying this is a why we are against the program. We this. good American tradition. It’s a tradi- are against it because it’s not author- I want to say this about apples be- tion in North Carolina, I am sure, ized. cause the gentlewoman had mentioned where people are proud of their farmers The President of the United States is apples. The average apples travel right and, in Maine, where we are exception- now bombing in Libya. By the way, I now 2,500 miles to get to the consumer. ally proud of the fact that the average voted with the Kucinich amendment Now, I don’t find that horrible. We are age of our farmer is going down. We because I feel very uncomfortable with a country of origin labeling laws, have more young people who want to an unauthorized bombing as the use of which our committee has debated for go into farming. We have more and force in Libya. The Federal Govern- over a decade, and I don’t know that it more acreage going into farming, ment frequently obligates the tax- has made the world a better place. I which is a reversal of the trend that payers to new programs. Yet the think that consumers are actually has been going on in our country for a United States Congress hasn’t had an driven by food safety, food taste and long time. This is good for our health, opportunity to vet these programs or food price, and whether it comes from and it’s good for our environment. Fun- to vote on them, so I, myself, don’t un- New York or whether it comes from damentally, this is a jobs bill, and derstand why that is a problem that we the farmer down the street, those still that’s what we’re supposed to be here can have this transparency. are going to be the driving factors in talking about. Every young person who Now, as I’ve listened to this, I’ve making the decision. Carrots come has an opportunity to go into farming kind of felt, well, Know Your Farmer— 2,000 miles. today and every family that gets to Know Your Food is one of these harm- I would challenge my friends to look hang onto a family farm increases the less little Washington sort of ‘‘feel at Google food mileage and look at how number of jobs that are going on in our good about things’’ initiatives, but I’m much common, everyday food travels country. beginning to think it’s just one big to get to your plate. What has it done? What do we want this to turn into, databank. I don’t know why the USDA It has made America healthier. It has big corporate agriculture where every- needs to know all of this information given us an abundant food supply, and thing has to be trucked around the about the farmers. I’m wondering it has given us a less expensive food world?—where our carrots come from about that. If we want to help farm- supply. Brazil and our strawberries come from ers—and I’ve had the opportunity of But if we are serious about growing somewhere else in South America and representing lots of farmers for a long mom and pop farms—and I want to say

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:01 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.157 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4245 this to my friend from Maine—I am ceedings on the amendment offered by scrap the rule and compel USDA to very interested in working with her on the gentlewoman from North Carolina write a completely new one. This is a that. The seven things that I have list- will be postponed. stall tactic, plain and simple. Better ed, I can promise you, in any poll, AMENDMENT NO. 20 OFFERED BY MS. WOOLSEY school meals must not, can’t be, from farmers will choose before they choose Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, I have this act, a priority for the other side of to say what we really need to get farm- an amendment at the desk. the aisle. They apparently don’t be- ers going in America is this program The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will lieve we need to do anything about the that is not authorized by the Congress, designate the amendment. epidemic of childhood obesity that is called Know Your Farmer. The text of the amendment is as fol- rapidly becoming a major public health I yield back the balance of my time. lows: crisis, so they’re looking for any way Mr. FARR. I move to strike the last At the end of the bill (before the short to put on the breaks. word. title), insert the following new section: The process has worked. We’ve had I just want to point out that this SEC. ll. None of the funds made available congressional direction and we’ve had amendment doesn’t save one penny. by this Act may be used to carry out the di- mandates. We’ve had open comment rective in the committee report instructing b 2050 period and rulemaking based on sound the Food and Nutrition Service to issue a science. But the end result is not to the The Acting CHAIR. Does the gen- new proposed rule on implementing new na- majority’s liking, so they want a do- tleman ask unanimous consent to tional nutrition standards for the school over. This is not only unnecessary, Mr. strike the last word? breakfast and school lunch programs in the report of the Committee on Appropriations Chairman, but expensive, as there Mr. KINGSTON. Reserving my right would be costs associated with starting to object, I just want to remind my of the House of Representatives to accom- pany H.R. 2112 of the 112th Congress (House the rulemaking over—going back to friend about taking two bites of the Report 112–101). square one. In one fell swoop, the Re- 2,500-mile apple. I certainly do not ob- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I re- publicans are showing themselves to be ject but—— anti-science, anti-child, anti-public Mr. DICKS. Mr. Chairman, I move to serve a point of order on the gentle- woman’s amendment. health, and anti-fiscal responsibility. strike the requisite number of words. My amendment would stop their The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman The Acting CHAIR. A point of order is reserved. shortsighted and irresponsible scheme. from Washington is recognized for 5 It would prevent funds made available minutes. The gentlewoman from California is recognized for 5 minutes. by this appropriations act from being Mr. DICKS. I yield to the ranking used to require USDA to reissue a new member, the gentleman from Cali- Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, for some families—too many, as a matter rule. fornia. Important advocates agree with me. Mr. FARR. This amendment doesn’t of fact—the meals served at school may be the only decent meal that their chil- My amendment has been endorsed by save one penny. Ironically, we just re- the National Education Association, turned from the White House summer dren get that day. Especially during this current economic downturn, with the American Dietetic Association, congressional picnic, and people ate Bread for the World, the Center for food there. At every table, it listed many Americans barely getting by, more people are relying on school Science in the Public Interest, and where the food came from. Indeed, I re- many other groups, which I will in- member because I went to the ice meals to keep their children fed and ready to learn. clude in the RECORD. cream place and there was a stack of Mr. Chairman, our children need bal- Why, then, is the Republican major- honey that came from the White anced, healthy, nutritious meals, not ity trying to turn back the clock on House, that has a White House label on costly bureaucratic delays. They need school nutrition? Why are they trying it, and it’s a gift that the First Lady this to help them succeed in school and to undermine the quality of school gives to visiting dignitaries from in life. meals by gumming up a regulatory around the world as a sample of Amer- H.R. 2112, AMENDMENT NO. 20, LIST OF process that is designed to ensure that ican honey grown at the White House. SUPPORTERS our kids are eating healthy? We just experienced Know Your Farm- The American Academy of Pediatrics, er—Know Your Food not more than an Mr. Chairman, I’m offering this American Dietetic Association, American hour ago. amendment because it will stop the Public Health Association, Association of This amendment does nothing but be majority’s attempt to block the imple- State & Territorial Public Health Nutrition mean. mentation of scientific standards for Directors, Bread for the World, California Mr. DICKS. Reclaiming my time, I school meals. Association of Nutrition & Activity Pro- grams, California Food Policy Advocates, just want to point out, also at the Here’s the backstory. Since the Tru- man administration, Congress and the Campaign to End Obesity Action Fund, Cen- White House picnic, if you walked far ter for Science in the Public Interest, Com- enough down, you could see the garden United States Department of Agri- munity Food Security Coalition, Food Re- with fresh vegetables and everything culture have set standards for school search & Action Center (FRAC), Jewish that was being grown. It had a label lunches and breakfasts. But for most of Council for Public Affairs, National Edu- about what was what. that history, those standards have not cation Association, National Farm to School Again, I just don’t see what the harm reflected the expertise of nutritionists Network, The National WIC Association, is here if they’re taking it out of exist- and other health professionals. Public Health Institute, Trust for America’s Then, last year, Congress passed and Health, The United Fresh Produce Associa- ing funds. I always thought that the tion. farmers of America were supported on the President signed a bill directing Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous con- a bipartisan basis in this Congress and the USDA to make school meal re- sent to withdraw my amendment. that we like to know who our farmers quirements, for the first time, con- sistent with sound science and dietary The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection are. So I agree with the gentleman, and to the request of the gentlewoman I hope we can defeat this ill-considered guidelines issued by the Institute of Medicine. The bottom line: That would from California? amendment. There was no objection. I yield back the balance of my time. mean healthier food for our kids. It AMENDMENT NO. 24 OFFERED BY MR. ROYCE The Acting CHAIR. The question is would mean the cafeteria line would Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Chairman, I have an on the amendment offered by the gen- have more fruits and vegetables, more whole grains and low-fat milk, and less amendment at the desk. tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will sodium and saturated fat. As in- FOXX). designate the amendment. structed by the law that we passed, The question was taken; and the Act- The text of the amendment is as fol- USDA wrote a regulation and received ing Chair announced that the ayes ap- lows: peared to have it. over 130,000 comments. Now, just when the process is wrap- At the end of the bill (before the short Mr. DICKS. Mr. Chairman, I demand title), insert the following: a recorded vote. ping up, my colleagues on the other SEC. 7XX. None of the funds made available The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to side of the aisle want to use report lan- by this Act may be used to provide assist- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- guage in this appropriations bill to ance under title II of the Food for Peace Act

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:23 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.158 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 (7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) to the Democratic Peo- lect them after the monitors had left. but very large, agribusinesses, sub- ple’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). So North Korea is always going to sidies that are not in fact helping fam- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman cheat. ily farmers, leading to greater consoli- from California is recognized for 5 min- Some assert that the North is hold- dation in production of agriculture, utes. ing food, holding food for the future, driving up land values, making it more Mr. ROYCE. Thank you, Mr. Chair- hoarding a million tons of rice. That’s difficult for new beginning farmers to man, very much. the charge we hear from South Korea, enter agriculture, and subsidies that A couple of quick points here. One, from members of their Parliament. But are not fiscally responsible. the administration is actively consid- the fact is that it’s an asset that is In light of the budget deficits that ering resuming food aid to North converted by the North. we’re wrestling with, what better time Korea. And I understand the humani- So I urge my colleagues to support to continue to move in the area of re- tarian impulse here, but the unusual my amendment for the sake of the form under the farm bill with this Ag- circumstances of North Korea make North Korean people. Providing this riculture appropriation bill, rather this a mistake—and make it a very bad aid not only allows Kim Jong-Il’s op- than waiting for the promise or hope mistake, frankly—which this amend- pressive regime to divert scarce re- that in a year or two in the reauthor- ment would correct. sources towards its military program, ization of another farm bill that this I remember the words of one North one that has grown increasingly institution might finally come around Korean defector, Kim Duk-hong. I had threatening, but it also delays the day and start making the long overdue a chance to talk with him. He said ac- when real structural reform will come changes. tually in testimony here before the to North Korea. Just to show you how perverted these committee, we must not give food aid There is a Korean saying that ‘‘pour- farm programs have gotten, recently to North Korea because it is, in his ing water into a cracked pot is worth- Brazil challenged our own domestic words, the same as providing funding less.’’ Sending resources to Kim Jong-Il cotton subsidy program and prevailed for North Korea’s nuclear program. is even worse. It’s enabling a regime in the WTO court. Now you would ex- Why is that so? Because what invari- with one of the world’s worst human pect our rational response would be to ably happens is they redirect these re- rights records but also with an atomic reform our cotton subsidy program, to sources into support for the regime. bomb. come into compliance with that WTO This week we had reports that North North Korea has played us like a fid- decision, to end these subsidies that Korea is making miniaturized versions dle for years. Conditions for North Ko- you really can’t justify here to our cot- of its nuclear weapons—ones that could reans have only worsened. It’s time for ton producers, and we would solve this fit atop ICBMs. That makes his state- a new North Korea policy. Let’s start problem. ment all that more dire about the redi- now. But that’s not the approach that was rection of these resources into the re- I ask my colleagues to support the taken. In fact, the administration re- gime’s hands. amendment. cently set up a new subsidy program The situation in North Korea is I yield back the balance of my time. that is now going to subsidize Brazil heartbreaking. I’ve been up there. I’ve Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise cotton producers. seen the depravation. But this is a dis- in support of the amendment. Let me repeat that. We are spending aster made by the dictatorship itself. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman $147 million a year in order to bribe the And let me say unequivocally, the food from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- Brazilian Government so that they we send does not reach the hungry. utes. don’t enforce the sanctions that So, who benefits from our good will? Mr. KINGSTON. We have had a very they’re entitled to now because of our Well, the inner circle does and their difficult time with the Food for Peace unwillingness to reform our own cotton military industrial complex does. program already, and if this helps se- subsidy program. That is wrong, and We’ve had hearings in which the cure another supporter of the bill, we that is what my amendment would ad- French NGO Doctors Without Bor- certainly would work with you on this dress. It would prohibit the use of ders—we’re all aware of their good amendment and support it. funds through this Agriculture appro- work around the world. They testified I yield back the balance of my time. priation bill going to this new subsidy before the International Relations The Acting CHAIR. The question is program to subsidize the Brazil cotton Committee that the vast majority of on the amendment offered by the gen- industry. refugees they interview say they had tleman from California (Mr. ROYCE). It just shows you what a pretzel our never received any food aid. None of The amendment was agreed to. farm programs have turned this Con- the children they had ever met had AMENDMENT NO. 25 OFFERED BY MR. KIND gress into because of yet again the un- ever seen food aid during the years Mr. KIND. Mr. Chairman, I have an willingness for us to reform our own they worked up on the border. amendment at the desk. domestic title I subsidy programs. The And this testimony is backed up by a The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will answer to this is not to funnel out an- survey of 500 North Korean defectors in designate the amendment. other $147 million a year until maybe which 78.2 percent of them never saw The text of the amendment is as fol- we address this in the next farm bill, foreign food aid. And the reason for lows: which could end up costing the Amer- this is because it goes, again, into the At the end of the bill (before any short ican taxpayer over a half a billion dol- black market. It is sold for the hard title), insert the following new section: lars, when we can make that correction currency that the regime needs for its SEC. ll. None of the funds made available now, reform the domestic program, get nuclear program and other programs. by this Act may be used to provide payments out from under the WTO decision, start (or to pay the salaries and expenses of per- saving money by not sending $147 mil- b 2100 sonnel to provide payments) to the Brazil lion a year to Brazil, and also start Some could argue that what we need Cotton Institute. saving some money by reforming our is more oversight and maybe better The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman own cotton domestic subsidy program. monitoring on this food. from Wisconsin is recognized for 5 min- That’s the solution to this. That’s Let me tell you about the testimony utes. something that we can fix tonight, we’ve heard on that, because the North Mr. KIND. Mr. Chairman, my amend- rather than continuing this facade of Koreans, I don’t think they’ve got a ment is very straightforward, and in a maintaining these programs that many word for ‘‘transparency.’’ No matter second I’m going to explain it in more of us warned in the last farm bill would how airtight any monitoring protocol detail. be challenged, and sure enough they may be, they cheat. We had a Tom For many, many years now, I and a did, and they’re prevailing, and now Lantos Human Rights Commission group of bipartisan Members of this they can apply economic sanctions hearing where a North Korean dis- Congress have formed a coalition in an against us. sident told us how the regime would attempt to move farm bill reform for- So the time to act is now, not wait- mark all the houses that had received ward, to try to end these large tax- ing for a year or two or whenever we’re bags of food and would return to col- payer subsidies that are going to a few, going to get around to reauthorizing

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:01 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JN7.079 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4247 another farm bill; and the time to start The trade war that is being pre- through the complexity, to layer ef- saving some real money is this night, vented, over $800 million worth of ex- forts here that cheat the American by passing the amendment that we’re ports to Brazil, protects a broad vari- consumer, that hurt the environment, offering. We can save $147 million, we ety of nonagricultural industries in and pose serious problems for inter- can reform the cotton subsidy program this agreement. This buys us time national trade. and save more taxpayer dollars, and we until the 2012 farm bill could get done. And my friend from Wisconsin is cor- have that ability to be fiscally respon- We cannot tonight nor should we to- rect. We were talking about this in the sible and start making changes to- night delve into a very complicated last farm bill, and we got our come- night. farm safety net program that has uppance, but instead of responding re- I know what the argument on the worked well for the American people. sponsibly in reducing or eliminating other side will be: wait for the next It is unquestioned that the American the illegal cotton subsidies, we’re shov- farm bill; we’ll take care of it then. people enjoy the safest, most abundant ing upwards of a half-billion dollars to Well, there is a lot that we are moving and cheapest food and fiber source in the Brazilian cotton industry, and I’ll forward on this year on deficit reduc- the world, in the developed countries; be prepared to argue, it benefits cotton tion, and I for one think that the farm and we do that because of the hard farmers. So we’re subsidizing two coun- bill should also be open for scrutiny for work, sweat equity, and risk-taking of tries because we fail to reach our re- potential savings to reduce our deficit. the American ag producer. They rely in sponsibilities now. But that’s not what’s being offered turn on a safety net that is relatively I sincerely think this is wrong. I tonight in reforming the title I subsidy complicated and interwoven across a think $147 million could go a long way programs. Instead, most of the deep bunch of things that make it help. towards helping the part of American cuts are coming under the conservation The budget that we did pass says that agriculture that grows food that we title, the nutrition programs, certain the farm bill will be written in 2012. I categorize as specialty crops who are key investments that we have to make understand my colleague’s disdain for dramatically shortchanged. to empower our farmers to be good the process of the Agriculture Com- I would like to yield the remainder of stewards of the land, to reduce sedi- mittee. He doesn’t like the Agriculture my time, if I could, to my good friend ment and nutrient flows and the im- Committee, he doesn’t like the work from Wisconsin, the sponsor of this pact it has on the quality water supply product that we come out with, but amendment. that we need in this country, the pro- that’s the group that knows the most Mr. KIND. Well, I thank my good tection of wildlife habitat. In fact, about the process of the safety net. friend from Oregon for his support of three out of every four farmers apply- the amendment and for his support ing for conservation funding assistance b 2110 throughout the years in trying to lead today are turned away because of inad- Doing this, what the gentleman the effort for meaningful farm bill re- equacy of funds. That number will only would like to do tonight, would disrupt form. explode because of the deep cuts com- that trade agreement and undercut the Mr. Chairman, there is another solu- ing in these other titles of the farm U.S. Trade Representative and his abil- tion to this that’s going to be offered bill. ity to negotiate around the world be- by our good friend and colleague from We have an opportunity to start cause he’s negotiated with a group who Arizona in just a little bit, Mr. FLAKE. making some changes under title I, the won’t stick by their word. He goes to the heart of the WTO deci- subsidy program, first by stopping the The 2008 farm bill put in place a 5- sion to find out what changes we additional layer of subsidy that’s been year contract, 5-year agreement with should be making in the cotton subsidy created where we’re starting to sub- the American ag producers, it goes to program to get out from under the sidize other countries’ farmers. Let’s the 2012 farm bill—2012 crop year, and thumb of Brazil, and I would support start making that change tonight. we ought to stand behind it and defeat that amendment, and I hope my col- I would encourage my colleagues to this amendment. leagues support his amendment as well look closely at this amendment. This is So the money does not go to farmers. because that is the ultimate solution the reasonable response that we should It does protect $800 million a year in to this: Instead of just cutting off the be taking. Let’s not defer this decision exports of nonagricultural exports that funding to Brazil right now, coming up any further. We can do that. And in- are imported to this country, including with the cotton subsidy reform. stead of encouraging any type of trade intellectual property rights that would Now, let’s remember the context in war or sanctions with Brazil, we should be abrogated if we back out of this deal which we find ourselves this evening. move forward in reforming the cotton that we’ve made with Brazil. So with Cotton payments are almost at a world subsidy program starting tonight. With that, I yield back the balance of that I respectfully request my col- record high price right now, yet these my time and ask my colleagues to sup- leagues to oppose the Kind amendment subsidies are still going out. There’s port this amendment. as being wrong-headed tonight. just very little relationship right now Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Chairman, I rise I yield back the balance of my time. with the subsidies under title I to the in opposition to the amendment. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chairman, I grain producers and cotton producers The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman move to strike the last word. of our country and the price they re- from Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman ceive in the marketplace. And in a Mr. CONAWAY. Thank you, Mr. from Oregon is recognized for 5 min- time of tough budgets, when everyone Chairman. utes. else is being asked to take a haircut, My colleague is very passionate, but Mr. BLUMENAUER. I listened to my whether you’re a supporter of con- he is also very wrong. This money does good friend from Texas talk about de- servation programs or vital nutrition not go to Brazilian farmers. That’s ille- ferring yet again to the Ag Committee, programs for our children and seniors, gal for us to do that. What it does do, that somehow this payment goes to the for us to not even look and consider it does go to an institute that pro- Brazilian cotton industry and not to the title I programs in the context of motes Brazilian agricultural produc- the cotton farmers, a distinction with- this agriculture appropriation, it’s be- tion. It may be a fine line to distin- out a difference I would suggest. yond the pale. There’s just no justifica- guish there, but it’s inflammatory to I rise in support of my colleague from tion to it. say it’s going to Brazilian farmers, Wisconsin in this proposal. I’ve been in These programs are outdated. They that we’re doing that, and he knows it this Congress having watched three are impossible to justify with the and it is wrong, but it is a payment. farm bill reauthorizations, and each American taxpayer, especially with the It’s a payment negotiated by the time we find that there is expression deficit reduction that all of us are in- Obama administration in reaction to a on the floor of this Chamber for actual terested in participating in this year. loss at the WTO in order to buy time so reform. We’ve asked for limitations. This is a small, but I think significant, that a trade war with our 10th largest We are told well we just don’t—the step down the road of reform with the trading partner in the world doesn’t floor doesn’t understand; it’s too com- farm bill finding savings that can be erupt that has actually nothing to do plicated. Well, it is complicated and applied to either other programs or for with ag protection. twisted because this is an effort to try, deficit reduction.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:01 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.167 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 That’s why I commend my colleague the Treasury and raid the taxpayers But that is what it’s going to take for from Arizona for the amendment he’s once again. And guess what? That this body to come together if we are about to offer, but my friend from Or- passed in committee but was stricken going to be serious about deficit reduc- egon, too, will have some important when it came to the floor. tion and getting the spending under amendments for us to consider, a pay- So when you hear all this rhetoric control. about, hey, we want to be trade compli- ment limitation limiting the overall b 2120 amount of subsidies that go to our pro- ant, we could have done that. We could ducers. And folks, this is going to agri- have simply allowed that amendment I know that the Agriculture Com- business, many of whom have mailing to stick in the bill, and then this would mittee has their hands full, and I know addresses in Manhattan, in Chicago, in have been trade compliant. But the they would rather just defer this next San Francisco. These aren’t even fam- Brazilians would have been paid off not decision until the next farm bill and ily farmers working the land, and with new taxpayer money but with the put it off. But we don’t know when they’re some of the primary recipients money that is making us non-trade that’s going to be. But the thing we do of these agriculture subsidies. compliant in the first place. know for certain is there is $147 million Mr. BLUMENAUER’s amendments ad- So don’t believe what you’re hearing going out the door every year right dress that, along with Mr. FLAKE’s AGI about, we just want to be trade compli- now that we can stop doing tonight cutoff at $250,000 a year. That’s 250 ant; that’s what this is about. We of- with the passage of this amendment. thousand dollars of profit, and if you’re fered an alternative to that, and it was Mr. FLAKE. I just want to make a an entity making a profit of over a rejected. And so here we are asking the point that everybody needs to take a quarter-million dollars a year, should taxpayers to once again this year, $147 haircut here if we are going to get this you really still be receiving taxpayer million to the Brazilians to make us debt and deficit under control. We subsidies for the business that you’re trade compliant. We’ve got to stop shouldn’t ask the taxpayers once again running? I think not, and we’ll have this. to pay off the Brazilians so we can con- another opportunity to consider that Nobody really believes that we’re tinue out-of-step subsidies to our own later tonight. going to do a farm bill this year. No- farmers. So I appreciate the gentleman yield- body really believes we’re going to do We have a cotton industry in Ari- ing me this time and further explaining one next year. And so we’re going to be zona. They may take a hit because of what this amendment is all about. And doing this year after year after year, so this, but everybody has to take a hair- if we are serious about deficit reduc- that means that we’re going to con- cut. Everybody has to contribute here tion, if we are serious about reining in tinue to do this unless we stop it. I can to getting this deficit and this debt some of these programs that are tough tell you if we pass the Kind amendment under control. And if we can’t start to justify, then we should be serious tonight, we will be back and we’ll re- with a program like this, I don’t know about supporting this amendment to- form our cotton subsidies in a way that where we’ll start. night. will make us trade compliant. We’ll go After this amendment, I plan to offer Mr. BLUMENAUER. And Mr. Chair, back and accept the Flake amendment an amendment that will go after the on that note I, too, commend what my that passed in the Appropriations Com- programs that actually make us friend from Wisconsin is doing. I look mittee that perhaps took the money nontrade compliant. I will be glad to forward to the comments from my from the cotton program. give up on that amendment, not offer friend from Arizona. If we’re serious We don’t need to continue to ask the it at all, if this amendment is allowed about reform and saving money, it’s taxpayers to pay off the Brazilians so to pass. But if it is called for the time to move in this area. that we can continue out-of-step sub- ‘‘noes,’’ then I plan to offer the amend- I yield back the balance of my time. sidies to our own farmers. That’s what ment after this. Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I move to this amendment is about. I commend With that, I yield back the balance of strike the last word. the gentleman for offering it. my time. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman And I would yield to the gentleman Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I from Arizona is recognized for 5 min- from Wisconsin. move to strike the requisite number of utes. Mr. KIND. I appreciate the gen- words. Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in tleman yielding, and I appreciate his The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman support of the Kind amendment. I com- support of this amendment and the from Minnesota is recognized for 5 min- mend the gentleman from Wisconsin leadership that he’s shown not only in utes. for offering this. committee but throughout the years Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, you You know, we’ve heard here that we when it comes to sensible farm bill re- know, this is kind of a surreal debate need this program to make us trade form. because I don’t think we’re talking compliant. Many of us warned when we The easiest way for us to come into about the real issue here. You know, did the last farm bill that if we did this trade compliance isn’t by bribing the the cotton program isn’t perfect. A lot level of subsidies that it would run Brazilian government to get them to of the programs that we have in the afoul of our trade agreements. Yet we not enforce the sanctions that it can Agriculture Committee aren’t perfect. plowed ahead and did it anyway. And under WTO; it’s fixing this domestic Freedom to Farm, it was passed in ’96. then April of last year is when our program, and doing it now rather than It got us into some of these problems. farm programs, which on their best day waiting years from now, as my col- I opposed. It saved a little bit of are out of step with reality, moved into league just pointed out, for the next money, and then we ended up spending the realm of the absurd when we farm bill. I know this isn’t easy, and I 10 times as much money bailing people hatched a program to actually fund an know the committees wrestles with a out when it collapsed. So you have got institute in Brazil to fund the cotton lot of different constituent problems. I to be careful what you are doing. industry there to start subsidizing the used to serve on the committee. But the problem here is, we’re argu- Brazilians so that we could continue to I’m not asking anyone here tonight ing about something that no longer ex- subsidize our own farmers. Is that not to do anything differently than what ists. This program that they sued us absurd? Why are we continuing to do I’m asking my producers to do in my under no longer exists. We have fixed it this? district of Wisconsin and in my State, two or three times. We tried to address It was raised before that we’ve got to and that’s taking a haircut. The re- this. It was never good enough for the do this to make us trade compliant forms that I’ve been proposing through Brazilians. But we made some changes, now where tariffs might be imposed. the years would require my district to and we made some more changes, and That is true, but I offered an amend- take a haircut on these agriculture then we made some more changes in ment in the committee earlier on that subsidies. It’s not always easy standing the 2008 farm bill. It’s still not good would have taken money from the di- up to groups that are getting some- enough for them. rect payments that we currently pay to thing from the government and saying Cotton went through some very dif- cotton farmers and paid off the Brazil- we can’t afford it, nor can we justify it, ficult times. I don’t have any cotton in ians with that money rather than raid with the market and with the deficit. my district. This is not a parochial

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.170 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4249 issue for me. But if they wouldn’t have The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman Let the Ag Committee in regular had that safety net, we would have from Oklahoma is recognized for 5 min- order craft the policy, and then when been out of the cotton business. But utes. we bring it to the floor—all of our what was going on at the same time? Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in friends, expert ag economists, we all We had Brazil using government money opposition to this amendment. may be together—you will have your to increase cotton production in Brazil. I want to return for a moment, I shot, as you’ve had before. But please And this is something that isn’t con- think, to the focus of the discussion. I don’t incite a trade war. Please don’t sidered in the WTO because we are such want to be absolutely clear. If this ignore the regular order of appropria- geniuses that we agreed to this agree- amendment passes, it will—it could in- tion authorization. Please be rational ment that tied our hands and gave our cite a trade war. Brazil could imme- in what you do. We’ve got tough deci- competitors the ability to eat our diately impose $800 million in retalia- sions ahead of us. Collin and I and the lunch. And that’s what’s going on. tory tariffs on a variety of U.S. goods. rest of the committee, we know that. I promise you, they won’t retaliate You know, JBS, which just took over We’re going to do what we have to do. against U.S. agricultural products. a big part of the livestock industry in But let us do it in regular order, not in They’ll go after ag chemicals and bio- this country, is financed by the Bra- this fashion. technology products. And they’ll go zilian Government. They own 30 per- With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield after veterinarian medicines and soft- cent of JBS. Nobody complains about back the balance of my time. ware and books and music and films. that. The Brazilian Government cre- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I move to They’ll go at everybody outside of pro- ated most of this competition that col- strike the requisite number of words. duction agriculture with their $800 bil- lapsed the cotton prices worldwide. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is lion in retaliatory tariffs. recognized for 5 minutes. And then we agreed to let China into Now, we can debate how we got here; Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Let me just the WTO, and they promised that they and my colleague, the ranking mem- say this: Georgia is the second-largest weren’t going to go into cotton produc- ber, gave a very good history of what cotton-producing State. It accounts for tion. We shipped our textile market to led us to this point. But this amend- approximately 10 percent of the U.S. China and collapsed all of our textile ment right here, right now would ex- cotton production. In 2011, Georgia industry. And what happened? They in- pose the U.S. to job-killing sanctions farmers intend to plant almost 1.5 mil- creased production like crazy. India in- on goods valued at $800 million. creased production like crazy. Our cot- In 2010, the Obama administration fi- lion acres of cotton. ton prices went down below the cost of nalized a framework agreement with b 2130 production because of these trade Brazil that was a critical step in re- The average farm-gate value is more agreements that we got involved in. solving this dispute about the U.S. Up- than $600 million. There are approxi- But the way they’re structured, there’s land Cotton Program and export cred- mately 2,800 businesses directly in- nothing we can do about it. But they’re its. And, yes, under the agreement, volved in the production, processing, going to sue us over a little step two Brazil agreed to delay trade sanctions, and distribution of cotton. Accounting program that we now got rid of, trying trade retaliation until the 2012 farm for the broader economic effects, the to keep our people in business. bill was developed and put together. Georgia cotton industry supports more Now, if you want to ship the whole This amendment would circumvent the than 46,000 jobs, and it generates eco- cotton industry to Brazil and China legislative process in what could only nomic activity of approximately $11 and India, you are on a good start to be described as a haphazard way that billion. doing that. And if you keep on this should be a relic of the past. Now, the proponents of these amend- This amendment is an attempt to cir- road, you’re going to ship the rest of ments target provisions in the cotton cumvent regular order, the democratic agriculture to these so-called devel- programs that are at the center of a policy process, by changing policy on oping nations that are not developing WTO trade case which Brazil has nations. If you’ve been to Brazil, in ag- an appropriation bill. Now, I can assure you, I plan and we will have a full and against the United States. The U.S. riculture, they are anything but a de- and the Brazilian Governments have veloping nation; but they’re protected open process when we start the farm bill debate. We’ll debate the relevant scheduled a series of consultations de- under the rules that we agreed to in signed to identify the modifications in this WTO deal. issues dealt with in this amendment. And on that note, I would serve a no- policy that will resolve the case. The So is this a perfect solution? No. But intention is to reach agreement on we couldn’t get the Brazilians to hon- tice for record that next week, we plan to start the process of conducting an carefully thought-out provisions that estly sit down and work this out be- can be included in the 2012 farm bill. cause they don’t want to. They’re try- audit of all farm programs. This audit is just the beginning of the comprehen- These hastily drafted amendments ing to use this for other reasons, for are not guaranteed to resolve the dis- other advantages in these trade nego- sive and transparent process we’ll use to draft the 2012 farm bill. Policy pute, 1, since the U.S.-Brazil consulta- tiations and so forth. And I don’t think changes will be considered carefully tions have not resulted in any specific we can ever do anything to satisfy with the input from industry stake- agreement and, 2, since these ap- them. holders and constituents and within proaches will certainly undermine the So there’s more to this than people the larger context of improving the future discussions as the two countries are talking about here. This is not competitiveness and long productivity attempt to reach a final resolution about saving money. This is about of American agriculture. that’s fair and that is reasonable. making sure that we can have a safety Let’s not incite a trade war. Let’s re- The amendments target cotton farm- net in this country so we can maintain turn to regular order. And if nothing ers in an effort to reduce government production of agriculture in the United else, my friends, remember, this bill is spending. The 2008 farm bill, including States and not ship it all to other 13 percent lower than the previous the cotton provisions, was fully paid countries and not get dependent on for- spending bill. This Ag approps bill for, offset, and did not add one single eign countries for our food, like we’ve takes us almost back to 2006. We are dime to the deficit. They cite the years become dependent on foreign countries giving our share in this appropriations in which the government’s support for for our energy. That would be the process. And everyone in this room cotton was historically high, but they worst thing that could happen to us. knows that whether it’s the regular ignore the years when the support ac- So I just hope people understand all farm bill next summer or if we have tually is at historic lows. We need to of the different ramifications. This some grandiose understanding on the maintain the safety net so that it’s isn’t a perfect deal; but for the time national debt ceiling and spending, the there when it’s needed but not utilized, being, it’s probably the best solution deficit, we could well have a farm bill as it hasn’t been recently, when it’s not that we can come up with. dramatically quicker than next sum- needed. I yield back the balance of my time. mer, and we’ll have a farm bill that re- Farmers understand the current Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Chairman, I move to flects a dramatic reduction in re- budget pressures. They understand that strike the requisite number of words. sources compared to past farm bills. very well. But they expect to be a part

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.174 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 of a debate involving all of the agricul- us until next year to get that farm bill going to pay the tribute. We’re not tural stakeholders, and not be singled out, and we will address it. going to borrow the money from China. out for ad hoc budget reductions with Even though it didn’t rise to the We’re not going to send it to Brazil. hasty policy decisions. point of order, this really does rise, in Let’s see what they do next. And These proposed amendments would my opinion, to the level of legislating maybe we can blow up this thing called nullify the basic component of cotton within an appropriations bill. the WTO and get back to something policy. If these amendments are en- I don’t like spending the money. I that protects our national interests. acted, they would take effect October don’t like sending it offshore. But we I yield to the gentleman from Wis- 1, and, as a result, USDA would have to cannot change the rules in the middle consin. change the cotton program rules in the of the game. We cannot move the goal- Mr. KIND. I thank the gentleman for middle of the marketing year and posts for our farmers, many of whom his comments in support of this amend- change them back effective October 1, are small, private farmers who have ment. And just one final point to my 2012. This would undermine the con- built their future, taken out loans, de- colleagues who have been supportive of fidence in commodity programs, espe- cided to buy more land, decided to buy trade agreements in the past. cially among agricultural lenders. more equipment, based all their busi- Let’s be honest with ourselves. If This would compromise our agri- ness decisions on the promise that this we’re going to be a part of this WTO or- culture policy, a policy that has been government made to them in the last ganization to establish rules of trade vetted very carefully by our author- farm bill. And changing the rules at across borders, then let’s not turn our izing committees and relied upon by this point is absolutely wrong, and I back on an adverse decision that af- our growers and our lenders in making encourage my friends and my col- fects us. Let’s, instead, comply and their business decisions going into 2012. leagues to vote against this amend- bring the cotton subsidy program into The reauthorization of the farm bill in ment. compliance. That is the answer to this. 2012 is the proper forum to debate the I yield back the balance of my time. And let’s end this nonsense of stacking cotton agriculture policy, not here on Mr. DEFAZIO. I move to strike the subsidy program on top of subsidy pro- this appropriations bill. last word. gram to just buy off and blackmail We have got to do what is right in The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman other governments who have a WTO de- regular order. This is not the time. It’s from Oregon is recognized for 5 min- cision in their hands. And I cannot believe that this not the place. And what we’re doing to- utes. evening, when we’re asking for huge, night, if they go forward with this, is Mr. DEFAZIO. The gentleman that unprecedented cuts in conservation pulling the rug out from under our cot- preceded me said we lost a lawsuit. We programs that will affect thousands of ton farmers and our agriculture when didn’t lose a lawsuit. If he knows any- farmers throughout the country and they have made financial plans thing about the WTO dispute resolu- unprecedented cuts with nutrition pro- through 2012. It is unfair; it’s not right, tion process, no conflict of interest, no open litigation, no legal proceeding as grams that will affect thousands of and we should not do it. low-income families with their chil- I urge my colleagues to reject these we in the United States of America un- dren, and seniors, saying, ‘‘Tough luck. amendments. They are ill-advised. derstand it. A closed group with no We’re operating under tough budget I yield back the balance of my time. conflict-of-interest rules that makes times. You’re just going to have to do Mr. FARENTHOLD. I move to strike rulings. And they have decided that we, without,’’ when it comes to a simple the last word. under this failed trade policy, should amendment like this to save $147 mil- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman pay tribute, tribute, more than we paid lion a year to bribe Brazil cotton pro- from Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. to the Barbary pirates—$147,300,000 a ducers and an unwillingness to go into Mr. FARENTHOLD. I would like to year to the Government of Brazil so we the title I subsidy programs for cost speak in opposition to this. can subsidize our cotton farmers. savings, then what the heck are we The ranking member gives a great Now, you go home and explain that doing around here? history lesson on how this comes out. to your constituents. We’ll borrow The previous farm bill—passed by pri- $147,300,000 from China and we’ll send it b 2140 marily Congress controlled by your to Brazil so we can subsidize our cotton It is just beyond the pale that we’re side of the aisle—created a situation farmers. willing to take the deep cuts—and the with our cotton subsidies that has What is this all about? It is about a chairman of the Agriculture Com- caused a problem with Brazil, and we totally failed trade policy. And at some mittee claimed a 12 percent cut in the are trying to work it out. point, this Congress has to take a farm bill, but he didn’t say where those My colleagues on this side of the stand. cuts were coming from. I’ll tell you aisle and many of the colleagues on the RON PAUL and I, a number of years where it’s not coming from. It’s not other side of the aisle are also con- ago, 3 years ago—we get to do it once coming from these subsidy programs. cerned that this government as a every 5 years—offered an amendment It’s not coming from the cotton sub- whole, through the regulatory process, to withdraw the United States of sidy program that has gotten us into picked the regulatory agencies, mak- America from the WTO. That will come this problem. A handful of powerful ing it very difficult and unpredictable up soon. I hope you’ll all support it. It cotton families are holding this insti- for businesses by changing the regu- is something that binds us and is de- tution hostage in order to maintain latory environment. stroying our industries, our farmers, these subsidy programs that have bene- Our businesses are holding back, not and everything else that’s great about fited them for too long. Talk about investing, not creating jobs. But we’re this country. I voted against the WTO. benefiting the few at the expense of the about to do the same thing ourselves This isn’t about so much as a failed many; this is the classic example of right here with this amendment by farm policy or farm bill, as the gen- this Agriculture appropriation bill be- yanking the rug out from under our tleman outlaid. It’s about totally failed fore us this evening. We can do a heck cotton farmers, who have built their trade policies. of a lot better. businesses, made their plans based on Other countries want to protect their Mr. DEFAZIO. I will reclaim my time the promise of the last farm bill. agricultural interests. They want to to say we may have some differences You know, I love to save money for feed their own people. They don’t want over the underlying trade agreement this government. I’m none too happy to import polluted food from China. and the mandates and the process to see this money going to Brazil. But We’ve opened up our country to pol- which got us to this point, but I agree, we basically lost a lawsuit and we’re luted foods and goods from China and subsidies—or bribes—on top of sub- having to pay the damages. And we’re Brazil and everyplace else in the world sidies is insane in these tough budget going to fix it in the regular order with the WTO and these trade agree- times. without yanking the rug out from ments. They don’t observe them. We go And I would just note that we’re under the farmers, who are the back- and we lose this dispute and say, oh, going to be confronted very soon with bone of this country, by changing the we’ve got no choice but to pay. We another limitation amendment on an- rules in the middle of the game. Give have a choice. Let’s not pay. We’re not other bill where we’re going to have a

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I urge children’s consumption of potatoes. drivers. our colleagues to continue to work to- I think that it is short sighted for the USDA So time and time again these trade gether to resolve this issue in a smart to ignore the health benefits that the potato agreements are failing us. I think it’s way for our economy and a smart way provides. When looking at how to incentivize bigger than the problem of the sub- for our jobs. healthier eating habits, we in Congress need sidies in the farm bill, and this Con- I yield back the balance of my time. to find a way to encourage and educate pro- gress needs to pay attention. One way The Acting CHAIR. The question is gram recipients to eat balanced meals. or another, we’re either going to get on the amendment offered by the gen- I think it is very important to make sure that real about our deficits and what’s real- tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. KIND). children receive balanced meals, and that cer- The question was taken; and the Act- ly essential to the American people— tainly includes potatoes. feeding our people, clothing our people, ing Chair announced that the noes ap- I, along with forty-one of my colleagues sent and putting American people to work— peared to have it. a letter to the USDA asking a number of ques- Mr. KIND. Mr. Chairman, I demand a or we’re going to abandon ourselves to tions about this proposed rule. Mr. Speaker, recorded vote. this failed notion of the WTO and other The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to without objections, I would like to submit a trade agreements. clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- copy of this letter to the RECORD. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- ceedings on the amendment offered by Mr. Chair, potatoes, lima beans, peas, and ance of my time. the gentleman from Wisconsin will be corn are all healthy vegetables that should Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chairman, postponed. certainly be in the School Breakfast and Lunch I move to strike the last word. Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Chairman, I Programs. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is move to strike the last word. Potatoes are an excellent source of potas- recognized for 5 minutes. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman sium and good source of fiber. According to Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chairman, from Ohio is recognized for 5 minutes. the USDA’s own magazine, Amber Waves, the world has changed. It’s not enough Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Chairman, a few potatoes deliver these nutrients at a very low to simply buy American anymore, we moments ago my friend from Cali- cost. have to sell American. We have to sell fornia had an amendment that she did FNS has estimated that the proposed rule our American agriculture products, our withdraw that really wanted to codify would increase the cost of school meals by technology products and services all into law the USDA’s rules regarding $6.8 billion over the next five years. Per meal, throughout the world. But oftentimes, the school lunch program. And while I the cost will increase by 14 cents per lunch when we compete, we find much of the won’t go into the lengthy reasons why and fifty cents per breakfast. world is tilted against us. Other coun- it’s the wrong way to go for nutrition— Mr. Chair, school districts and states across tries cut agreements to make it tough not just the cost that it bears to the the country are already cash-strapped and for us to sell. That’s why we are in- schools, but also the fact that USDA cannot afford this increased cost. volved in the World Trade Organiza- was recommending reducing the con- This additional burden will be passed onto tion, to insist that other countries play sumption of potatoes, corn, peas and students paying full price for their meals. by the rules, but that means America lima beans to just one serving a week— While I agree with the intent of the USDA to has to play by the rules as well. which believe me I was shocked. But it encourage the consumption of more fruits and We lost this case in the WTO. So the wasn’t just myself that had this reac- vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins— question today isn’t about cotton sub- tion; it was also the California Fruit restricting the consumption of nutritious vege- sidies or even saving money; it’s about Growers Association, it was the Na- tables like potatoes, lima beans, peas, and the smart way to address this issue tional School Boards Association, it corn is short-sighted and not the most effec- that protects American jobs. was the Council of the Great City tive approach to achieve that goal. Now I am very sympathetic to this Schools that wrote a letter. And that’s I encourage my colleagues to vote no on amendment. Paying Brazil nearly $12 why I and 40 other colleagues wrote to this amendment and instruct the USDA to million a month is not the right way to Mr. Vilsack of the U.S. Department of issue a new proposed rule on implementing resolve this issue, and I agree with Agriculture in reaction to the promul- the new national nutrition standards for the that. In fact, America should simply gation of these rules. School Breakfast and School Lunch Programs. live up to its WTO obligation and insist I will enter into the RECORD the tes- CALIFORNIA LEAGUE OF that others do the same as well. timony I was going to give until she FOOD PROCESSORS, The settlement that’s in place today withdrew the amendment, as well as Sacramento, CA, June 15, 2011. Hon. LYNN WOOLSEY, is necessary to prevent Brazil from im- these four letters. posing almost $1 billion of new tariffs, Rayburn House Office Building, House of Rep- Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amend- resentatives, Washington, DC. new taxes on American products when ment. Breakfasts and lunches served in we try to sell them into Brazil. And it’s DEAR REPRESENTATIVE WOOLSEY: The Cali- schools are important components of the diets fornia League of Food Processors (CLFP) re- not just agriculture products. As you of school age children. Improving the nutri- spectfully opposes your amendment to the heard Chairman FRANK LUCAS talk, he tional profile of meals served to school chil- FY 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. made the point that not only can dren is very important. 2112, prevent the Agriculture Department Brazil penalize our ag products, they When the USDA proposed a rule that elimi- from reissuing more reasonable and cost ef- can tax and tariff a broad range of nated potatoes from the School Breakfast pro- fective proposed regulations on the school breakfast and lunch program. products, especially America’s innova- gram and limited the School Lunch program to tion economy. So in your State, if you CLFP has concerns about USDA recom- one cup a week of potatoes, I was very con- mending school breakfast programs elimi- have companies that produce pharma- cerned. nate ‘‘starchy vegetables’’ and proposing re- ceuticals, medical devices, business On the Agriculture Committee, I have made strictions on the use of tomato paste and software, technology, anything in the it frequently known how important healthy liv- cheese. As I’m sure you remember CLFP innovation sector of America, your ing and nutritious eating habits are to me as members account for 95% of the fruits and companies and your workers face the a person, a mother, a grandmother and as a vegetables canned, frozen and dehydrated/ loss of jobs and the loss of product legislator. It is especially near and dear to my dried in California and this repersents more sales because of this issue. heart when we discuss policies that affect chil- than 35% of U.S. production. For a number of preserved food products, California produces So the smart way to handle this is to dren’s nutritional needs. deal with this not only in the farm bill, 100% of U.S. output, for example tomato When I heard that the USDA recommended paste. These new USDA restrictions could but at the WTO today, insisting that as reducing the consumption of potatoes, corn, potentially mean the loss of millions of dol- we end these cotton subsidies, other peas, and lima beans—I was shocked. lars in sales of vegetables, fruit and cheese countries end their agricultural sub- When my daughter was growing up, I took to the national school program. Its negative sidies as well. That is the smart way to great care to ensure that she ate healthy, bal- effects would ripple throughout the industry,

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from farmers, dairymen, package manufac- COUNCIL OF THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, turers, etc. The cost impact of this rule on GREAT CITY SCHOOLS, Washington, DC, May 5, 2011. our schools and food producers should be Washington, DC, June 14, 2011. Hon. TOM VILSACK, considered by USDA. Affirmative changes to HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the meal plan relative to starchy vegetables Washington, DC. Whitten Building, Independence Avenue, limits and tomato serving calculations DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: The Council of the SW, Washington, DC. would go a long way to fixing the cost issues Great City Schools, the coalition of the na- DEAR SECRETARY VILSACK: Breakfasts and that are concerning to schools. tion’s largest central city school districts, lunches served in the school setting are im- CLFP supports your efforts to help ensure writes to call your attention to the proposed portant components of the diets of school school kids have access to healthy and nutri- federal School Meals regulations that will age children. Improving the nutritional pro- tious meals. However, we urge you to allow cost an additional $6.8 billion, and the pos- file of meals served in schools and maintain- USDA to ensure the new rule on school sible amendment to the FY 2012 Agriculture ing participation rates are important prior- meals is cost neutral and resist efforts by Appropriations bill, H.R. 2112, by Represent- ities. We share your commitment to contin- USDA to proclaim vegetables and other ative Woolsey that would prevent the Agri- ually improving the contribution of the healthy foods ‘‘good’’ or ‘‘bad’’. culture Department from reissuing more rea- school meal to the nutritional needs of Very Truly Yours, sonable and cost effective proposed regula- school children and to encourage healthy ED YATES, tions pursuant to the Committee report. The lifestyles for children that are built on a President and CEO, Great City Schools strongly opposes the foundation of sound nutrition and physical Woolsey amendment. activity. NATIONAL SCHOOL Many of the nation’s largest urban school USDA recently published a proposed rule BOARDS ASSOCIATION, on school meal plans to reflect the Dietary Alexandria, VA, June 14, 2011. districts have been among the leaders in im- proving the nutritional content of school Guidelines. That proposal was based in great Re: H.R. 2112—FY 2012 Agriculture Appro- part on a study by the Institute of Medicine priations Bill. meals and snacks provided to our students. Yet, our school districts are extremely con- (IOM) commissioned by USDA. The recently MEMBER, cerned that USDA is proposing new federal released 2010 Dietary Guidelines identified House of Representatives, Washington, DC. school meals requirements costing an addi- potassium, fiber, vitamin D and calcium as DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: The National tional $6.8 billion, with over $5 billion in un- nutrients of concern for all Americans, in- School Boards Association (NSBA), rep- reimbursed costs shifting on to school dis- cluding school age children. Changes to the resenting over 90,000 local school board mem- trict budgets. The newly proposed school school meal plans should take steps toward bers across the Nation, is deeply committed breakfast program requirements alone would increasing the consumption of these key nu- to fostering a healthy and positive learning cost $4 billion, with the federal government trients by increasing student access to fruits environment for children to achieve their providing not one-cent of additional federal and vegetables that are either ‘‘excellent’’ or full potential. However, NSBA is gravely ‘‘good’’ sources. concerned about the financial impact of the reimbursement for these additional meal costs. The Council is skeptical that our for- Changes to the school meal plans must recent child nutrition reauthorization (P.L. consider the constraints faced by school 111–296) on school districts at a time when mal regulatory comments recommending over $4.5 billion in cost-saving changes to the lunch providers. School lunch providers need many are in dire economic straits. There- to offer nutritious affordable options that fore, NSBA supports report language accom- rule will be accepted by USDA. Before the Education and Workforce Com- children will eat and that will encourage panying the FY 2012 Agriculture Appropria- continued high rates of participation in both tions bill that directs the U.S. Department mittee, the San Diego Unified School Dis- trict explained that they were already meet- breakfast and lunch programs. For many of Agriculture (USDA) to propose new rules children, the school meals are their prime that do not create unfunded mandates for ing all of the proposed new school meal nu- source of nutrition for the day. Changes that school districts. tritional standards, with the exception of the For example, the USDA estimates a cost future sodium requirement, but that the discourage participation will reduce the increase of 14 cents per school lunch under school district would have to scrap its Nutri- overall health and wellness of American chil- new proposed standards for school meal pro- ent-based School Meals program (as would dren. As we continue to follow the development grams, even though the available reimburse- 30% of the nation’s school districts) and in- of the next generation of school meal plans, ment increase is just 6 cents. A district serv- stitute the new meal system required under we would appreciate your thoughts on the ing free and reduced price lunches to 5,000 the proposed USDA regulations, at the addi- following questions: students faces a potential shortfall of $72,000 tional cost of over $4 million annually to the annually under this scenario. The Depart- In the proposed rule, USDA indicates that district. School nutritionists and food serv- implementation of the proposal will result in ment recommends a number of cost-shifting ice directors point out in regulatory com- measures to address the shortfall (such as in- $6.8 billion in increased costs over five years ments that many of the newly proposed and that small entities will incur 80 per cent creased student payments, increased state school meals requirements are unnecessary, and local funding, and operational changes), of that increase. Do you have estimates on excessive, costly, or counterproductive in the impact of these cost increases on partici- that are unrealistic and unconscionable the case of the regulatory prohibition on given the current economic realities for pation among reimbursed, partially reim- well-tested nutrient-based school meal sys- bursed and paying participants? many states and communities. tems. School districts have already closed build- Potatoes are rates as an ‘‘excellent’’ source Congress unfortunately shortcut the legis- ings, terminated programs and laid off teach- of potassium and a ‘‘good’’ source of fiber. lative process in passing the Senate’s version ers due to eroding local, state, and federal According to a recent article in the March of the Child Nutrition reauthorization bill in resources. Every dollar in unfunded man- 2011, USDA magazine, Amber Waves, pota- the lame duck session of the 111th Congress. dates in the child nutrition reauthorization toes deliver these nutrients at a very low The House child nutrition bill was not con- must come from somewhere else in the edu- cost. What is the rationale for eliminating sidered by the full House, and in fact there cational system and result in more layoffs, potatoes from the breakfast meal and lim- was no floor debate on the Senate child nu- larger class sizes, narrowing of the cur- iting them to one cup a week when they pro- trition bill, which was adopted by unanimous riculum, elimination of after-school pro- vide cost effective access to two key nutri- consent prior to the August 2010 congres- grams, and cuts to other program areas, in- ents of concern identified by the IOM? cluding school food services. sional recess. Without a full legislative proc- By limiting access to potatoes and other The new meal standards are just one of ess, the extent of the unreimbursed costs re- starchy vegetables, the proposed meal plans many provisions of P.L. 111–296 being imple- flected in the USDA regulations, already seem to advance the notion that this will in- mented over the next two-to-three years and under development for multiple years, was crease the consumption of the orange, green will impose additional costs on school dis- not fully examined. The drumbeat of celeb- and other types of vegetables otherwise of- tricts. The reauthorization is a hollow prom- rities and food advocacy groups promoting fered. Is there science to support the theory ise to our children when it comes at the ex- healthier lifestyles, and anti-obesity pro- that consumption of orange, green and other pense of the education that will help them to grams drowned out the practical consider- types of vegetables will increase is offered succeed. ations of cost-effectiveness and local budg- more often? What science exists that meas- Therefore, NSBA supports report language etary realities faced by each of your school ures this type of vegetable menu change on accompanying the FY 2012 Agriculture Ap- districts in this economic downturn. nutrient delivery? propriations bill that directs USDA to pro- A NO vote on the Woolsey amendment pro- The starchy vegetable category includes pose new rules that do not create unfunded vides an opportunity to underscore the Ap- vegetables with a variety of nutritional mandates for school districts. Questions re- propriations Committee report that the Ag- characteristics. What are the key character- garding our concerns may be directed to riculture Department should withdraw its istics that USDA identified which link the Lucy Gettman, director of federal programs overreaching new federal school meals rules, vegetables placed in this category, and how at 703–838–6763; or by e-mail at and reissue a more realistic and workable are they distinct from other vegetables ex- [email protected]. proposed regulation. cluded from the starchy vegetable category? Sincerely, Sincerely, According the nutrition experts, bananas MICHAEL A. RESNICK, MICHAEL CASSERLY, and potatoes are very similar in their nutri- Associate Director. Executive Director. tional makeup. This goes beyond both being

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:23 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JN7.102 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4253 rich in potassium. It includes similarities in The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection The legislation, unfortunately, does carbohydrates, dietary fiber and other nutri- to the request of the gentleman from cut the food safety budget, and it cuts ents. Should both bananas and potatoes have Michigan? it in ways which are threatening a serving limits in the proposed meal plans? There was no objection. The meal plan acknowledges a preference piece of legislation which has strength- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman ened Food and Drug with the support of for orange and dark green vegetables? Is from Michigan is recognized for 5 min- there sufficient science to support such a not just farmers and consumers, but preference for orange and dark green vegeta- utes. also of the food processing industry, (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given bles? Would Irish potatoes with yellow, pur- which rallied around and supported the ple or other flesh color be considered starchy permission to revise and extend his re- marks.) legislation along with consumer groups vegetables? and all of the other sources in indus- According to the proposed rule, lima beans Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, this is in the fresh, canned or frozen form are con- a good amendment. try, recognizing we desperately need sidered starchy vegetables. In dried form At a time when 30 people have been something to be done to ensure that they are legumes. Are there nutritional grossly sickened and died in Germany our people do not get sick and die from changes between the forms that support such and 3,000 have been sickened, we are bad imported foods. a distinction? cutting Food and Drug’s enforcement I urge my colleagues to support the The proposed meal plans are based on con- budget. The legislation would cut the sumption data available from 2002 that was amendment. I urge them to do so with reviewed by the IOM for their report. Did food safety budget of FDA by $87 mil- vigor until such time as we can get a USDA evaluate the applicability of that con- lion below fiscal year 11, and $205 mil- fee system in place which will ade- sumption data on potatoes and other starchy lion below the President’s fiscal year 12 quately support Food and Drug and see vegetables, given changes in preparation request. to it that our people can sleep easily methods for products currently offered in We are witnessing now one of the after they have a full meal knowing school? deadliest E. coli outbreaks ever over- that the food they have consumed is Are the serving limits on starchy vegeta- seas in Europe, and that infection is bles, and potatoes in particular, based pri- safe. spreading across the society of the I yield back the balance of my time. marily on the nutritional profile of the prod- world. My amendment has the support uct or on the preparation methods for the Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise product? of the Consumers Union, Pew Chari- table Trusts, the Center for Science in with great temerity in opposition to Thank you in advance for your feedback to the amendment by the great gentleman our questions. We look forward to working the Public Interest, U.S. PIRG, and the with you toward our common goal of improv- National Women’s Health Network. from Michigan. ing the well-being of our nation’s school chil- It is time for us to understand that The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman dren. every year in the United States, 3,000 from Wyoming is recognized for 5 min- Sincerely, Americans are killed with bad food, utes. Jean Schmidt, Joe Baca, Rick Berg, Ken 128,000 are hospitalized, 48 million are Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Chairman, I Calvert, K. Michael Conaway, Eric A. made sick. We have imported food that would note that over the last 2 days we ‘‘Rick’’ Crawford, Renee L. Ellmers, is causing all manner of difficulty: Bad Wally Herger, Bill Huizenga, Rau´ l R. have heard how ag credit and rural Labrador, Dan Burton, Dennis A. peanuts with salmonella, bad mush- housing have had deep cuts in this bill, Cardoza, Jim Costa, Sean P. Duffy, rooms, E. coli in peppers, melamine in and yet now we have an amendment Stephen Lee Fincher, Jaime Herrera dairy products, salmonella in eggs, bad that would cut more from them and Beutler, Steve King, Doug Lamborn, shellfish and fish from China. would impart those funds on a program Tom Latham, Tom McClintock, Mi- The amendment sees to it that Food that between fiscal year 2004 and the chael H. Michaud. and Drug has the resources it needs to current fiscal year has experienced a Devin Nunes, Collin C. Peterson, Chellie do the job to protect the American peo- net budget authority increase of $2 bil- Pingree, Gregorio Kilili Camacho ple from bad food being imported into lion, a 121 percent increase, and over Sablan, Michael K. Simpson, Robert E. the United States. We are able to in- Latta, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the same time period, direct appropria- spect less than 1 percent of the food tions increases of over $1 billion, or 75 Candice S. Miller, William L. Owens, coming into the United States. This is Thomas E. Petri, Reid J. Ribble, Kurt percent. Implementation of the Food Schrader, Adrian Smith, Marlin A. a positive risk to the American con- Safety Modernization Act of 2010 would Stutzman, Scott R. Tipton, Greg Wal- suming public. require an additional $1.4 billion in new den, Steve Womack, Lee Terry, Fred The situation here is indefensible. The House last year passed major im- budget authority. If the President’s Upton, Timothy J. Walz, Todd C. budget request were adopted, the result Young. provements in our food safety laws. And we saw to it—we had a funding would be a 156 percent increase for Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- FDA since 2004. ance of my time. mechanism which was removed by the Senate. But without the adequate fund- This level of spending is AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. DINGELL unsustainable. While the recommended Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I have ing that this amendment would afford to our people, we will find that they funding level for FDA in this bill is an an amendment at the desk. 11.5 percent decrease below the amount The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- are at risk of serious health dangers provided in the fiscal year 2011 con- port the amendment. from bad food and from sickness that The Clerk read as follows: comes with those things. We are here, tinuing resolution, the subcommittee’s At the end of the bill (before the short by this amendment, giving Food and overall allocation was reduced by 13.4 title), insert the following new section: Drug the resources that it needs, some percent. Hence, this program suffered a SEC. ll. The amounts otherwise provided $49 million, to see to it that these im- smaller reduction than other programs by this Act for ‘‘Departmental Administra- ported foods and other foods are safe. within the budget. tion’’, ‘‘Agriculture Buildings and Facilities b 2150 Once again, with these massive in- and Rental Payments’’, administrative ex- creases in budget authority and in ac- penses under the third paragraph under ‘‘Ag- This is extremely important. And tual spending through direct appropria- ricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program while you might say, well, I don’t know tions over the time period 2004 and the Account’’, administrative expenses under the whether it is going to affect me, some- current fiscal year, Mr. Chairman, and fourth paragraph under ‘‘Rural Housing In- body in this country is going to get surance Fund Program Account’’, and ‘‘For- given the fact that ag credit and rural sick because bad food came in and be- eign Agricultural Service—salaries and ex- housing have already taken the types cause it kills people when that hap- penses’’ are hereby reduced by, and the of deep cuts that are referenced in the amount otherwise provided by this Act for pens. I urge my colleagues to support the rest of the bill, I urge my colleagues to ‘‘Food and Drug Administration—salaries defeat the amendment. and expenses’’ is hereby increased by, amendment until we can get ourselves $5,000,000, $20,000,000, $10,000,000, $4,000,000, in a situation where we have proper I yield back the balance of my time. $10,000,000, and $49,000,000, respectively. and adequate funding for Food and Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. DINGELL (during the reading). Drug to see to it that our people are move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous con- safe from imports which are causing The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman sent that the reading of the amend- sickness, illness and death to the from New Jersey is recognized for 5 ment be dispensed with. American people. minutes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:23 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JN7.105 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 Mr. PALLONE. I rise in support of It is crucial to job creation. It is cru- funding chart. It is very important for the Dingell amendment to partially re- cial to people feeling safe about what us to realize that. store the Food and Drug Administra- they eat, and the government has to be b 2200 tion funding to the fiscal year 2012 ag- responsible for facilitating an environ- riculture appropriations bill. ment where Americans can continue to Now, the second point is, in the FDA I listened to what my colleagues said innovate. It is a key to creating new hearing, I was concerned about FDA’s on the other side of the aisle. The fact thriving industries that will produce ability to do food safety and to take on of the matter is that today’s bill millions of good jobs here at home and this big mission. Here is why: slashes the FDA by $572 million, or 21 a better future for the next generation. You hear the figure of about 48 mil- percent, below the President’s request, If government abandons its role, we lion foodborne illnesses—a very high and by $285 million, or 12 percent, run the real risk of squandering too number which we are enormously con- below this year. many opportunities that lead to inno- cerned about—but 20 percent of those I beg to differ with the gentlewoman. vative discoveries and great economic illnesses are from known, or specified, This is not the time to be cutting the benefits. pathogens. Nearly 60 percent of the ill- FDA’s budget. We have had many Mr. Chairman, the bottom line is the nesses from known pathogens comes scares. We have had many outbreaks. funding level put forth in today’s ap- from the Norovirus. So how do we ad- We have had people die. We have had propriations bill is inadequate. FDA is dress this? people become seriously ill. That is already an underfunded agency. If we The CDC tells us on their March 4 why in the last Congress we passed the don’t continue to give the FDA the re- memo that appropriate hand hygiene is landmark Food Safety Act, because we sources it needs to complete its mis- likely the most important method to wanted to have increased inspection of sion, they cannot support initiatives prevent the Norovirus infection and to food manufacturing plants, increased that save lives and create jobs; and control transmission. Reducing any scrutiny of imported foods, and devel- these are priorities that Congress Norovirus present on hands is best ac- opment of the capability to more should embrace. complished by thorough handwashing. quickly respond to food-borne illnesses I listened to what my colleagues say Now, in the FDA’s 630-page budget re- and minimize their impact. on the other side of the aisle. I under- quest, there is not one mention of I don’t know about you, but when I stand we have to be concerned about Norovirus. I believe that that’s rel- go home, I hear a great deal of concern funding and budgets and that we have a evant. about the quality and the safety of our deficit. We also have to figure out what The second point: The second highest food supply and our groceries. When is important as a priority. The Amer- cause of illness is salmonella; but people buy food in the supermarket, ican people have told us that food safe- under its authority, the existing au- when they go and buy it at a roadside ty is a priority. That is why we passed thority, before the Food Safety Mod- stand, they are very concerned about this landmark bill last year. ernization Act was passed by the the quality of the food and whether There has to be a significant increase House, the FDA updated its own food they are going to get sick. That is why in funds, even in this environment, if safety as respect to salmonella. They we passed the landmark Food Safety we are going to keep the food supply are saying—and this was according to Act. It is clear that we have just re- safe. If we don’t do that, a lot of eco- their own press release in July of last cently had the E. Coli breakout. The nomic activity is also going to suffer, year—that as many as 79,000 illnesses Nation’s food supply is so extremely including innovation, including what and 30 deaths due to the consumption vulnerable, and the FDA must be we can do for the future to keep this of eggs contaminated with salmonella equipped to keep it safe. country competitive. So I understand may be avoided. That was last year. The FDA has important responsibil- what she is saying, but I also think That was before a new bureaucracy. ities to protect and promote the health that it is very important to restore This bureaucracy, by the way, over a of the American people. To succeed in these funds. 10-year period of time, will cost $1.4 bil- that mission, FDA must ensure the I want to commend my colleague, lion and will hire 17,000 new Federal safety of not just food, but drugs and Mr. DINGELL, for putting forth this employees. medical devices that Americans rely on amendment, and I would ask my col- The third highest cause of foodborne every day. They don’t just need to leagues to support the amendment. illnesses is clostridium. Again, in the oversee the safety of the products. I yield back the balance of my time. FDA’s 630-page budget request, it was They also need to be involved in facili- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I only mentioned once. tating scientific innovation that makes move to strike the requisite number of I want to say something else that is these products safe, effective, and more words. very important. Do we believe that affordable. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chick- Now, these efforts are especially crit- from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- en and Safeway and Kraft Foods—and ical today because I believe that Amer- utes. any brand name that you can think ican competitiveness depends on our Mr. KINGSTON. I stand in opposition of—aren’t concerned about food safety? ability to innovate. To do that, we to the amendment, but with great ad- The food supply in America is very safe must properly fund key agencies like miration for the author of the amend- as the private sector self-polices be- the FDA that are essential to assisting ment—but still disagreement. cause they have the highest motiva- in the development of new drugs and Now, the previous speaker actually tion. They don’t want to be sued. They devices. FDA places a high importance said that FDA funding has been don’t want to go broke. They want on promoting innovation. In fact, they slashed. FDA is funded both with direct their customers to be healthy and are currently developing a new Innova- appropriations and with fees. Last happy and to come back and give them tion Pathway, an initiative to help year, their funding level was $3.6 bil- repeat business. promising technologies get to market. lion. This year, it is $3.64 billion. It is Now, in response to the 2006 E. coli But let me share something with my a little bit more. I would say it is level outbreak that happened in California colleagues. One of the FDA’s senior funding. But FDA funding has not been with spinach, where three people died leadership staff testified before the En- slashed, and it is very important for us and 200 consumers were sickened, the ergy and Commerce Health Sub- to realize that. California Leafy Green Products Han- committee recently and assured us Number two, let me show you some- dler Marketing Agreement was made. that these cuts would prevent such ef- thing about the FDA funding history, This is a private sector agreement forts from moving forward. Mr. Chairman. If you can see this, this which has done already 2,000 farm au- What I am trying to emphasize is chart actually goes back to 2000 and dits on a voluntary basis. Nearly 200 that whether you look at it from the goes up to 2011. It has been nothing but billion servings of lettuce and spinach point of view of the food supply, wheth- a 10-year climb uphill for the FDA. And and other leafy greens produced under er you look at it from the point of view while a lot of people are saying the this program have been surveyed. It is of innovation, to make cuts in the FDA FDA funding is slashed, there is not a successful private sector initiative, budget simply makes no sense. even a slight dip in any of this 10-year and those types of things happen all

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.184 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4255 the time in the private sector, but great. Maybe it’s safe and maybe it’s Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chair, I have an amend- we’re blind to it. not. He has got a bunch of numbers ment at the desk. This legislation before us Here are some numbers from the that say that it’s 99.99 percent safe. would cut the food safety budget of the U.S. CDC. It’s very important because I That sounds wonderful. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by $87 think America loves to beat itself up But what are the real facts? All million below FY 2011 and $205 million below over things all the time. The CDC num- right. the president’s FY 2012 budget request. At a bers, Mr. Chairman: There are 48 mil- The real facts are that, at the time time when we are witnessing one of the dead- lion foodborne illnesses reported a that this cut is going into place on liest E. coli outbreaks ever overseas in Eu- year, 128,000 hospitalizations, 3,000 Food and Drug’s budget, 3,300 people rope, the House stands ready to cut funding deaths. Those numbers are very high. have been sickened in Germany with a for our food safety systems. This is indefen- I’m very concerned about it. That’s particularly dangerous form of E. coli, sible and why I am offering an amendment why we spend a lot of money already and 30 people are dead. It is spreading that will which takes $49 million from several on food safety. across the German borders into other administrative accounts at the U.S. Depart- I yield back the balance of my time. countries. ment of Agriculture (USDA) and transfers Mr. CONAWAY. I move to strike the Now, how are we doing over here? them to FDA for the implementation of the last word. First of all, Food and Drug has been Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), of The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman starved of resources for years and has which I am the author. Specifically, this from Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. not been able to provide the necessary amendment cuts $5 million from the Depart- Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Chairman, I protection to the American people mental Administration account, $20 million yield to my colleague from Georgia from imported food, which is coming in from the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities (Mr. KINGSTON). and is, frankly, sickening people. and Rental Payments account, $10 million Mr. KINGSTON. I thank the gen- What is the situation? Salmonella from administrative expenses under the Agri- tleman for yielding. and peanuts, bad mushrooms from cultural Credit Insurance Fund, $4 million from I just want to continue with this, Mr. China, E. coli in peppers coming in administrative expenses under the Rural Chairman. from Mexico, melamine in dairy prod- Housing Insurance Fund, and $10 million from You have 311 million Americans eat- ucts. It kills kids. It kills babies. It the Foreign Agricultural Service. ing three meals a day. That’s 933 mil- causes all manner of health risks and I want to make clear that the offsets I am of- lion meals eaten each day. That’s near- dangers. fering are difficult, and not accounts which I ly 1 billion food consumption events in There are bad pharmaceuticals com- would cut in normal circumstances. However, our country, which is over 360 billion ing in. We haven’t been able to get these are not normal circumstances, and the meals consumed. If you do the math in ahold of that problem yet, but I’m draconian cuts already made by this legisla- going back to the 48 million foodborne going to try and get a bill that will ad- tion to the food safety budget leave me with illnesses, according to the USDA, our dress that; and I’m going to try and see no other choice. The cuts to the USDA Gen- food safety rate is 99.99 percent. to it that we get a fee system that will eral Administration Account and to the Build- I want to address the 48 million, but enable us to not have to quarrel about ings and Administration Account are certainly what I also suggest to you is that we these moneys on the House floor. damaging. I believe in the good work USDA is can spend $45 million more for FDA But in this country, let’s look. If this doing to promote agriculture in this nation, but funding; we can spend $100 million is going so well and if the Secretary of these specific accounts did not receive as more or we can spend $1 billion more, Agriculture is so right and if my dear large a cut as others. The safety of our na- but I don’t think you can increase this friend from Georgia is correct, then tion’s food supply must take priority over these number of a 99.99 percent food safety there is really nothing to worry about; administrative accounts. rate according to the CDC. So, in these and I would like somebody around here Furthermore, the cut to the Agricultural times of very tight budgets, it is very to tell me what I’m then going to tell Credit Insurance Fund, which provides loans important to keep these facts in mind. the 3,000 people who are killed in this to farmers when they can not obtain them in I am going to close with this state- country by bad food every single year. the private sector, will be taken from an ad- ment by the Democrat Secretary of Ag- 128,000 of them are sick enough that ministrative account which will not affect the riculture, Tom Vilsack, and this was as they have to go to hospitals. On top of loan levels to farmers in need. The cut to the of yesterday. He said he is ‘‘reasonably that, 48 million people get sick. Rural Housing Insurance Fund, which guaran- confident’’ that U.S. consumers won’t There is no way on God’s green tees some rural housing loans, will also be be faced with the same sort of E. coli Earth, with the budget that Food and taken from an administrative account which outbreak now plaguing Germany. He Drug has, that they can properly and will not impact the loan level. Finally, while I goes on and explains why—because of adequately protect American food and am supportive of the Foreign Agricultural Serv- the current food safety laws in place protect the American people from the ice and their work to promote agricultural ex- and the current food safety funding. dangers of bad imported food. China is ports overseas and their international develop- Mr. CONAWAY. I yield back the bal- the Wild West. The stuff that they’re ment efforts, I believe the American people ance of my time. exporting to the United States, quite would agree that at a time when we recently Mr. FARR. I move to strike the last frankly, I’m not sure I’d feed my hogs. had a recent scare with Salmonella in eggs word. Having said these things, it is time and authorities have agreed that the E. coli The Acting CHAIR (Mr. DOLD). The for us to stand up to the problem and outbreak which is impacting Europe could gentleman from California is recog- to say, Okay. We’re going to spend the happen here, our priority must be on the safe- nized for 5 minutes. money that’s necessary to keep people ty of our own food supply. Mr. FARR. I yield to the chairman, safe. We are talking about $49 million I want to make it very clear that the money the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. DIN- here. A lot of money. But how much do given to FDA by my amendment is intended GELL). you think it takes to bury 3,000 Ameri- for their food safety activities. Last Congress Mr. DINGELL. I thank my good cans? How much does it cost to take when this institution overwhelmingly passed friend for yielding to me. care of 128,000 people who are hospital- the Food Safety Enhancement Act, it had bi- I want to thank my colleagues on ized every year because of this? or to partisan support, the support of consumer both sides of the Appropriations Com- take care of the 48 million people who groups, food safety groups and industry, and mittee and their extraordinary staffs get sick? and the mothers who lose ba- a guaranteed source of funding for food safety for their courtesy to me as we have bies because of bad milk and things of activities. The food safety reform law gives gone on through this legislation and that kind that come in from China, FDA the tools it needs to prevent and detect through the discussion of this amend- where they put melamine in them to food-borne illnesses—like the E. coli outbreak ment. up the fictitious levels of nitrogen and in Germany—from occurring. I’ve listened to my Republican col- protein? Under this new law, the FDA has the au- leagues tell us how great we’re doing. So I beg you, let us do what is nec- thority to recall food products, to require food My good friend, for whom I have enor- essary to see to it that Food and Drug facilities to have safety plans to identify and mous fondness, presents us with a has the funds that they need to do the mitigate risks, and to increase the frequency bunch of pictures of food. It looks job to protect the American people. of FDA inspections of facilities here and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.185 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4256 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 abroad. Unfortunately, a dedicated fee to fund limit this. This is roughly $1 million a would encourage my colleagues to sup- the changes to our food system was dropped year. This is something that Con- port this amendment. by my friends in the Senate and now we are gresses previously had eliminated. It I yield back the balance of my time. witnessing a perfect storm—because of the crept back in. Mr. BARROW. I move to strike the political whims of my colleagues we are lim- And this limitation amendment that last word. iting the funding available for food safety ac- I would offer, I would urge my col- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman tivities at the same time the FDA has the re- leagues to vote for. My understanding from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- sponsibility to begin implementation of the his- is there’s no opposition on either side utes. toric food safety law. of the aisle. Mr. BARROW. Mr. Chairman, I rise Year after year we witness devastating out- I yield back the balance of my time. in opposition to the gentleman’s breaks that sicken or kill innocent people. We Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I sup- amendment to eliminate storage and have seen E. coli in peppers, Salmonella in port the amendment. handling payments for cotton and pea- peanuts, melamine in milk—the list goes on. A The Acting CHAIR. The question is nuts. fee system is not a radical concept. The drug on the amendment offered by the gen- I represent a lot of producers of these industry pays a user fee dedicated to assisting tleman from Utah (Mr. CHAFFETZ). commodities, and I guess it makes me the FDA with the review of new drug applica- The amendment was agreed to. a little bit more sensitive to why stor- tions and the medical device industry pays a AMENDMENT NO. 14 OFFERED BY MR. CHAFFETZ age and handling is an important part user fee dedicated to the review of marketing Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I of our agricultural policy and why this applications. Such a fee guarantees that the have an amendment at the desk. amendment could have potentially dev- FDA has a source of funding dedicated to The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will astating impacts if allowed to become their review process free from political pos- designate the amendment. law. turing. The text of the amendment is as fol- I believe it’s in the best interest of We can all agree that we must reduce our lows: our country to support domestic agri- budget deficit and that all options to cut At the end of the bill (before the short culture. If you think our reliance on spending must be on the table. However, at a title), insert the following: foreign oil is a nightmare, imagine time when we are witnessing the latest E. coli SEC. ll. None of the funds made available what it would be like if we had to rely by this Act may be used to make (or to pay that much on foreign sources of food outbreak in Europe sicken nearly 3,200 people the salaries and expenses of personnel in the and kill 33, it is unconscionable that we would Department of Agriculture to make) pay- and fiber. For that reason, it has been cut funding from the agency whose responsi- ments for the storage of cotton under section the policy of the Congress for decades bility it is to prevent such food-borne illnesses 1204(g) of the Food, Conservation, and En- to provide a safety net to help protect here in the United States. ergy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8734(g)) or for the domestic farmers where prices are low I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of my storage of peanuts under section 1307(a) of and world markets are unfavorable. amendment restoring funding to the FDA for such Act (7 U.S.C. 8757(a)). If you represent farm country or if their food safety activities. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman you’ve ever worked on a farm bill, you Mr. FARR. I yield back the balance from Utah is recognized for 5 minutes. have some idea of what a delicate bal- of my time. Mr. CHAFFETZ. I would hope this ance it can be to use the different tools The Acting CHAIR. The question is body would take this amendment with at our disposal to craft a law that on the amendment offered by the gen- the same pace we did the mohair sub- meets the needs of farmers and con- tleman from Michigan (Mr. DINGELL). sidies, but perhaps not. sumers. Different commodities have The question was taken; and the Act- This amendment seeks to eliminate different economies. Prices sometimes ing Chair announced that the noes ap- the cotton and peanut storage pay- swing wildly. Sometimes, even biologi- peared to have it. ments that we have been making. I cal differences need to be accounted Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I de- would point out to my colleagues that for. mand a recorded vote. President Obama recommended termi- For example, if peanuts are not The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to nating this program in his fiscal 2012 stored correctly, they can develop tox- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- budget. No other agriculture commod- icity that renders them not only use- ceedings on the amendment offered by ities receive this type of assistance. less, but dangerous, to the consumer. the gentleman from Michigan will be I would like to read a paragraph Storage and handling assistance has postponed. that’s found on the WhiteHouse.gov been developed as an efficient policy b 2210 Web site: for peanuts because it not only gives The credits allow producers to store the farmer some latitude about how AMENDMENT NO. 13 OFFERED BY MR. CHAFFETZ their cotton and peanuts at the govern- long he can store his crops, but it also Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I ment’s cost until prices rise. Therefore, improves food safety for the public. have an amendment at the desk. storage credits have a negative impact Mr. Chairman, I was on the Ag Com- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will on the amount of commodities on the mittee back in 2008 when we crafted designate the amendment. market. Because storage is covered by the last farm bill. It’s been the law of The text of the amendment is as fol- the government, producers may store the land since then and will continue lows: their commodities for longer than nec- to be until next year. It’s the basis on At the end of the bill (before the short essary. There is no reason the govern- which every farmer has planned during title), insert the following: ment should be paying for the storage that time. This amendment creates un- SEC. ll. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to pay the salaries of cotton or peanuts, particularly since certainty for those farmers. It threat- and expenses of personnel who provide non- it does not provide this assistance for ens their jobs, and it threatens the do- recourse marketing assistance loans for mo- any other commodities. mestic production the rest of us depend hair under section 1201 of the Food, Con- I happen to concur with the Presi- on. servation, and Energy Act of 2008. (7 U.S.C. dent on this. I hope my colleagues I believe this amendment is bad pol- 8731). would find this to be a commonsense icy, and I urge my colleagues to reject The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman amendment to say we should not be it. from Utah is recognized for 5 minutes. specifying winners and losers. In this With that, I yield back the balance of Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, this particular case, we’re going to offer a my time. is a simple amendment to limit the storage credit for just cotton and just Mr. CONAWAY. I move to strike the subsidies for mohair. peanuts. It’s something that I think last word. Mohair is something that back in should be eliminated. I would hope the The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman World War II we needed for our mili- body would concur. I would hope we from Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. tary uniforms. The problem is we would understand we’re going to have Mr. CONAWAY. I also oppose the haven’t used mohair in our military to make some changes in the way we amendment. uniforms since the Korean war, and yet do things. This is one instance where I This amendment does not save one the subsidies still continue. So this is a actually agree with the President. I’m nickel in fiscal 2012. It’s a bit theater. commonsense amendment to simply proud to stand in support of that and And unlike mohair, peanuts and cotton

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JN7.095 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4257 have a little different circumstances. year, it’s unfair for the program to of equipment, and the combines and The storage that is talked about here change dramatically in this final year the equipment for cotton costs any- is only paid if the prices for these two of the 2008 farm bill. where from $250,000 to $350,000. Other commodities drops below their loan Peanut growers changed their pro- equipment for peanuts, for grain, rate. CBO does not estimate this to gram from a supply-management pro- $150,000, $500,000. happen for the next decade in terms of gram, in 2002, to a marketing loan pro- This is going to undermine the bot- these prices. The loan rates are sub- gram. We eliminated the old quota sys- tom line, it’s going to remove the com- stantially below where the current tem. This included a price reduction petitive edge that American peanut prices are. That means the producers from $610 per ton to $355 per ton mar- growers have, and it’s going to dev- pay for these storage costs as these keting loan. The growers will lose even astate our ability to maintain the products are moved to market. more if the program suffers another $50 highest quality, the safest, and the So this amendment, while we debate per ton reduction due to the elimi- most economical peanuts anywhere in it for some 15 to 20 minutes, will cost nation of the storage and handling fees. the world. more to debate than it will save for the Peanuts are a semiperishable com- I think this is very, very ill-advised. taxpayers. It is an integral part of the modity. This is different from corn, I think it will undermine American ag- safety net that these producers rely from wheat and other commodities. It riculture. It will lessen our food secu- upon. is economically unfeasible for pro- rity, and certainly that is the last You’ve heard this over and over to- ducers to store their peanuts on the thing that we need to do because we night: The Ag Committee is best suited farm like other commodities such as are already energy insecure. to develop a proper safety net and an corn and wheat. Peanuts need a secure I yield back the balance of my time. ag policy for this country. This coun- and an atmospheric-controlled environ- The Acting CHAIR. The question is try has had an ag policy from its incep- ment. Peanuts require intense and con- on the amendment offered by the gen- tion. We ought to stand by that ag pol- stant management in the warehouse tleman from Utah (Mr. CHAFFETZ). icy once it’s put in place. We put it in storage, which a farmer does not have The amendment was rejected. place in 2008. Many tradeoffs were the skills to do. AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MS. JACKSON LEE OF made between conservation programs, TEXAS b 2220 commodity programs. Cotton and pea- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I have nuts were in the mix. Without proper management, a farm- an amendment at the desk. We will have those exact same con- er’s peanuts could go from what is The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- versations this time next year. The known as a Seg 1 loan price, which is port the amendment. farm bill will come to the floor, and the best, to a Seg 3 loan price, which is The Clerk read as follows: contamination due to aflatoxin. those who disagree with the farm pol- Page 80, after line 2, insert the following: Elimination of the storage and han- icy that’s developed in the Ag Com- SEC. lll. The amounts otherwise pro- mittee will have ample opportunity to dling program could certainly impact vided by this Act are revised by reducing the come to this floor and make these ar- food safety, the safety of the product. amount made available for ‘‘Agriculture guments once again. But to do this in Shellers basically control over 75 per- Buildings and Facilities and Rental Pay- an appropriations bill in basically a cent of the peanuts after the peanuts ments’’ by $13,000,000, and increasing the drive-by shooting manner, in my view, leave the farmer’s control. Since pea- amount made available for the ‘‘Office of the Secretary,’’ by $5,000,000. is wrongheaded. We ought to trust that nuts are semi-perishable and due to the the Ag Committee will get this work highly concentrated shelling industry, The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman done and get it done properly. farmers are at the mercy of the shell- is recognized for 5 minutes. The 2008 farm bill was put in place. ers in terms of pricing. Shellers could Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank Ag producers across this country, possibly force the farmer to accept a the Chairman, and I thank the Agri- bankers across this country, imple- lower price that would cover the stor- culture appropriations subcommittee ment dealers across this country have age and handling cost. Farmers then for their kindness and their deliberate- looked at that as a deal. Most folks in have no alternative in selling their ness in this very long evening and as the business world don’t back up on a peanuts. That eliminates the competi- well the ranking member along with deal when they don’t have to. And we tive edge. the chairman. don’t have to in this particular in- This could effectively lower the loan This is a simple amendment about stance because, as I said at the start of rate to producers, as I said, by $50 a food and about helping more Ameri- this, it does not cost the taxpayer any ton. The storage and handling program cans get healthy food. There is not one money as long as prices are high. CBO has effectively been a no-net-cost pro- of us that does not understand how dry and most folks estimate that in the gram to the government. Thus, the and difficult a desert is. This amend- near term the prices will not drop elimination of it will not help to re- ment is simply about food deserts in below 18 cents a pound for peanuts or 52 duce the Federal deficit. rural and urban areas. cents a pound for cotton. Again, we are here about to pull the This amendment provides a $5 mil- So I respectfully disagree with my rug out from under farmers who have lion increase to the Office of the Sec- colleague’s attempt to alter the farm relied upon what this Congress and retary to allow assistance to provide bill in this way, in an appropriations what this government has done in set- relief to those who are suffering from bill, and I would ask my colleagues to ting farm policy starting from 2008 to the lack of access to food quality. oppose the amendment. 2012. Why would we come at this point This is a healthy child, we would I yield back the balance of my time. and pull the rug out from under them hope. That healthy child needs to have Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chair- and upset all of their plans? Many good food. These funds will increase man, I move to strike the last word. times they have made loans, they’ve the availability of affordable healthy The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is had to purchase equipment, and par- food in underserved urban and rural recognized for 5 minutes. ticularly throughout the Southeast, communities, particularly through the Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I think this the equipment that is required for development or equipping of grocery amendment is very, very ill advised. southeastern peanut growers and stores and other healthy food retailers. Storage and handling fees are an in- southeastern farmers is varied. We’ve Fast-food restaurants and conven- tegral part of the peanut program and got a broad portfolio, unlike the Mid- ience stores line the blocks of low-in- the cotton program. Removal of these west. We grow multiple crops. come neighborhoods, offering few if fees will strike against the growers, In the Southeast, from Virginia all any healthy options. In rural areas, the farmers’ bottom line. The current the way to Texas, you will find that there may be no access at all. This par- marketing loan rate is $355 per ton. farmers will grow corn; they will grow ticularly impacts African American There has been no increase in the pea- grain, of course; they’ll grow peanuts; and Hispanic communities and, as I in- nut loan rate, which is the safety net, they’ll grow soybeans; and they’ll grow dicated, rural communities. since the 2002 farm bill. With the new cotton. Each of those commodities at This climate in the difficult times farm bill expected to take place next least will require three different kinds that we have requires us to be able to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.192 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 allow families to have access to good grave health concern for all Americans. How- Right now what I will do—and I know food. We also have the issues of obesity ever, food deserts have taken a toll on low in- my friend from California is rising. Let and as well nutrition. Food deserts im- come and minority communities and exacer- me yield to him because I know he pact many districts, and I will say to bated growing obesity rates and health prob- probably has a different view, but I you that Texas in particular has fewer lems. want to kind of keep the debate going. grocery stores per capita than any According to the Center for Disease Control Mr. FARR. Go ahead. I’ll just strike other State. and Prevention, CDC, 80 percent of black the last word. According to the Kaiser Family women and 67 percent of black men are over- Mr. KINGSTON. Well, you’ve got 4 Foundation, 32 percent of all children weight or obese. African American children minutes from me. You could still in Texas face a nutrition issue. Tar- from low income families have a much higher strike the last word. That gives you 9 geting assistance to food desert areas risk for obesity than those in higher income minutes. will provide healthy food to affected families. Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, thank you. areas, open new markets for farmers, The CDC also estimates African American I have concerns about where the create jobs, and bolster development in and Mexican American adolescents ages 12– money comes from as all these bills are distressed communities. 19 are more likely to be overweight, at 21 per- offsetting, but I think that the purpose Farmers markets are a good idea, but cent and 23 percent respectively, than non- here should be funded. We have this farmers markets sometimes are dif- Hispanic white adolescents who are 14 per- whole initiative—and some of it has ficult to find in our communities. cent overweight. In children 6–11 years old, been attacked tonight—about trying to Again, let me emphasize, this is about 22 percent of Mexican American children are get healthy foods grown by American rural and urban areas. This initiative overweight, compared to 20 percent of African farmers to people in areas that are will provide for the availability of American children and 14 percent of non-His- called food deserts, as the gentlelady healthy food alternatives to some 23 panic white children. from Texas pointed out. There are million people living in food deserts. Food deserts have greatly impacted my places that people just can’t go. There Let me just suggest to you that these constituents in the 18th Congressional District, isn’t a grocery store. There aren’t fresh families that we care for, families, and citizens throughout the state of Texas. fruits and vegetables. young families of the military, many of Texas has fewer grocery stores per capita b 2230 than any other state. The U.S. Department of you have heard stories where the mili- I mean, think of the 7–Eleven. That’s Agriculture, USDA, identified 92 food desert tary families are on food stamps. Many the kind of convenience stores that are census tracts in Harris County alone. These of them live in areas beyond their around. Even the one we use up here a areas are subdivisions of the county with be- bases, and some of their families are couple of blocks away is very limited tween 1,000 to 8,000 low income residents, back home in rural and urban areas. in the amount of fresh fruits and vege- with 33 percent of people living more than a This amendment, which will provide an tables it has. $8 million gift back to the government, mile from a grocery store. So what this initiative is all about, According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, will give a mere $5 million to provide and it’s the President’s initiative too, 32 percent of all children in Texas are over- the opportunity for those food desert is trying to get food—it’s an edu- weight or obese. These statistics underscore loopholes, if you will—rural places in cational process. I think the hardest the staggering affect food deserts have on the our Nation where there are big gaps cultural—this is what I learned from health of low income and minority commu- with access to food, and as well urban living in other cultures in the Peace nities. In Houston and other cities across the areas—to have access to the oppor- Corps. The hardest thing to do is to get country, local programs have proved that well tunity for good and healthy food. people to change their eating habits. targeted funding and assistance can create With that, I yield back the balance of We all know that struggle when we go viable business outcomes and increase ac- my time and ask my colleagues to sup- on a diet. So it takes a lot of edu- cess to healthy food. port the Jackson Lee amendment that Targeting federal financial assistance to cation. It takes a lot of support, but it addresses the question of helping those food desert areas through the Healthy Food also takes the need to have access to who need healthy food. Funding Initiative will provide more healthy it. I thank the Chairman for this opportunity to food to affected neighborhoods, open new You need to have access to the fresh explain my amendment to H.R. 2112, which markets for farmers, create jobs, and bolster fruits and vegetables, and they can ei- will reach back into the bill to increase the development in distressed communities. ther come to you in a farmers market funding for the Office of the Secretary by $5 The Healthy Food Funding Initiative is not a or you can go to them. But if you have million dollars. This increase, provided for by handout, or a crutch. Funding through this pro- neither a farmers market and there’s reducing the funding for operations and main- gram is intended to provide financial and tech- nothing to go to, you have no option. tenance of Buildings and Facilities in order to nical assistance in support of market planning, And that’s what this amendment is fund President Obama’s Healthy Food Fund- promotion efforts, infrastructure and oper- about, getting some money into the ing Initiative, HFFI. Supporting this amend- ational improvements, and increase availability program that will be able to outreach ment will not only fund an important pilot pro- of locally and regionally produced foods. and getting good, nutritious food to gram, but save the government $8 million. This initiative will increase the availability of families who most need it who, without Funding HFFI will increase the availability of healthy food alternatives to the 23.5 million that, have a good chance of not grow- affordable, healthy foods in underserved urban people living in food deserts nationwide. Yes, ing up healthy, high incidence of obe- and rural communities, particularly through the we must work toward reducing the deficit, but sity, high incidence of diabetes, high- development or equipping of grocery stores cutting programs that provide healthy food to risk issues that cost a lot of money for and other healthy food retailers. those who simply do not have access to nutri- the taxpayers when they have to go on These ‘‘food deserts’’, communities in which tional options, is not the way. dialysis or have to be under treatment. residents do not have access to affordable Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chair, I rise in So we have spent many years here in and healthy food options, disproportionally af- opposition to the amendment. the committee—and the chairman fect African American and Hispanic commu- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman knows it very well—of looking at how nities. Fast food restaurants and convenience from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- do we prevent this from happening stores line the blocks of low income neighbor- utes. when the choices are there. These are hoods, offering few, if any healthy options. Mr. KINGSTON. My dear friend from preventable diseases and preventable Many of my colleagues across the aisle Texas has worked diligently to find ill health situations, but we’ve got to have made arguments about the economic cli- something to work out with this. As I reach out and do it, and that’s what mate, and the need for budgetary cuts, and I had indicated to her last night, we’re this amendment does and I think it de- agree that we must work to reduce the deficit. trying to work on some alternatives serves support. We cannot, however, continue to make irre- and see if there’s a way to do it. Just Mr. KINGSTON. If I could reclaim sponsible cuts to programs for the under- in the last 30 minutes, I’ve gotten my time, I want to read this quote served, lower income families, and minorities. something from GAO that says that from GAO. It says: The committee may Since the mid-1970s, the prevalence of you could actually cut out $45 million wish to consider reducing the request overweight and obesity has increased sharply dollars from this program and that it for this initiative for FY 12 by $45 mil- for both adults and children, and obesity is a would not affect the potential of it. lion until the effectiveness of these

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.195 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4259 demonstration projects has been estab- I’m also suggesting to you that if you This is down from $22.3 million that we lished. look at the landscape of districts just closed out a few months ago for And I want to say to my friend from across the Nation, just take for exam- FY 11, and with a healthy respect for Texas, we had some talks around this ple my district is number 32 in regards the leadership of the Agricultural ap- but not directly addressing it, not di- to food insecurity, but there are 31 propriations subcommittee, I think rect hearing; but I do remember and above me. The people have limited ac- this is a mistake. the gentleman from California might cess to food. I know that there have been issues and I think Ms. Foley might remember I enjoy the point that Mr. FARR made with this program in the past. I have that the Safeway in Washington, D.C., about Ms. KAPTUR’s farmers markets. read the IG report. I will also say that I believe has some sort of grant I be- This will infuse energy into the farm- my understanding is the administra- lieve to operate in an area that was ers markets. This will create jobs for a tion has made progress since the pub- considered a food desert, and I believe limited amount of pilot resources. This lishing of that report. One of the things that that is one of the most profitable is the right thing to do. This is to take that has been said about this program Safeways there is. Do either of you a great land like America and say we is it has not been able to address the have a recollection of that? Thank you want everybody to minimally have ac- significant volume of requests, and I for pulling the rug out from under- cess to good, healthy, nutritious food. think it’s important to note that in neath me this early. So I would ask for the humanitarian March 2011 they cleared the backlog of Mr. FARR. I have a recollection of consideration of my friends on the all the applications for the program; that. other side of the aisle. I thank the gen- and, in fact, there’s now up to $100 mil- Mr. KINGSTON. Do you remember tleman from California for his instruc- lion in new loan applications, showing the interest in this program. that, Mr. FARR, that discussion? tiveness and the work of the members Another criticism has been that this Mr. FARR. Yes. of this Appropriations Committee, and program is duplicative and that, in Mr. KINGSTON. Was that not about I ask my colleagues to support this fact, you can apply under telemedicine food deserts? amendment, the Jackson Lee amend- for rural areas. And I will tell you that Mr. FARR. Yes, it was. But remem- ment. It fills the gaping hole of the we have tried that in our district with ber Ms. KAPTUR’s amendment in our lack of food by providing resources to no success, and this program that I’m committee of trying to subsidize farm- cure the problem of food deserts. offering as an amendment today for $6 ers markets to go into high-risk areas Mr. FARR. I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Chairman. million, a loan program, fully offset, is to get it started so that it does develop the only program exclusively dedicated a market approach and can be sustain- The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gen- to rural broadband. And this program, able, but we reach out and do those tlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON this amendment, $6 million can give us kinds of things. access to and support over $100 million Mr. KINGSTON. Let me reclaim my LEE). The question was taken; and the Act- in loan applications. time. GAO reported that a variety of ing Chair announced that the noes ap- approaches, including improving access b 2240 peared to have it. to targeted foods, have the potential to Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Mr. Chairman, this amendment will increase the consumption of targeted Chairman, I demand a recorded vote. help create jobs, and it will help our food that could contribute to a healthy The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to farmers with profitability. Of course, diet, but little is known about the ef- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- I’m biased. But I believe we’ve got the fectiveness of these approaches. ceedings on the amendment offered by smartest, the hardest working farmers And so I think what I would like to the gentlewoman from Texas will be in the world. Their issue is profit- do, Mr. Chairman, is continue to op- postponed. ability, and this amendment will help. The CBO assesses this amendment as pose this; but knowing my good friend AMENDMENT NO. 23 OFFERED BY MR. GIBSON neutral, and it says that it will reduce from Texas and from California will Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Chairman, I have outlays by $2 million in 2012. Let me keep this as a priority, we’ll talk about an amendment at the desk. say that again. CBO says this amend- this. You know, the hour’s late. The The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will ment will reduce outlays by $2 million gentlewoman’s been working on this designate the amendment. for a long time, but I need a little more The text of the amendment is as fol- in 2012. So how do we offset this? How do we focus on it before I could accept it. lows: The Acting CHAIR. The time of the provide access for farmers and small Page 80, after line 2, insert the following: businesses to loan programs? We cut gentleman has expired. SEC. lll. For the cost of broadband Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I move to loans, as authorized by section 601 of the the Federal bureaucracy—$6 million in strike the last word. Rural Electrification Act of 1936, to remain office rental payments. Now, the USDA is blessed with some The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman available until expended, there is hereby ap- of the most significant office space from California is recognized for 5 min- propriated, and the amount otherwise pro- vided by this Act for payments to the Gen- among all the Federal bureaucracy. utes. eral Services Administration for rent under And in addition to what they have here Mr. FARR. I yield to the gentle- the heading ‘‘Agriculture Buildings and Fa- in the District, in Beltsville, Maryland, woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). cilities and Rental Payments’’ is hereby re- there is additional office space of Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. First of duced by, $6,000,000. which they possess. So on top of all of all, let me thank Mr. FARR and Mr. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman that, there is $151 million in this appro- KINGSTON. I had hoped my friend from from New York is recognized for 5 min- priations bill for the rental of office Georgia could see in his heart that this utes. space, including right here on M Street is a very small microcosm for a very Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Chairman, over 50 in Washington, D.C. This is a good pay- large issue, and that is that food congressional districts across our coun- for to give access to our farmers so deserts do exist and the families that try have at least 10 percent of their that they can have access to rural are impacted, number of families that population without access to high- broadband. include those who are members of the speed broadband. My district is one of So to all my colleagues, I say this is United States military from the very these over-50 districts. Now, this is a a good amendment. The only amend- youngest child. significant impediment to job creation. ment that provides exclusive rural I have been fiscally responsible, if We have farmers without access to the broadband access. It’s supported by the that is the case, to narrow this very high-speed broadband. We have many American Farm Bureau. It’s supported well, and I have no quarrel with indi- small businesses in our districts, in- by the New York State Farm Bureau vidual chains engaging in marketing cluding bed and breakfasts which im- and numerous chambers of commerce outreach. But I’m talking about hard- pact our tourism without that access. in my district. I urge my colleagues to to-serve areas that include urban and This amendment helps address this sit- support the amendment. rural areas where there are no food uation. I would like to yield to my good chains to engage in any benevolent as- Now, the underlying bill zeroes out friend and colleague from Arizona (Mr. sistance. the loan program for rural broadband. GOSAR).

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.197 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 Mr. GOSAR. I thank the gentleman pending for a long time and they can’t I urge my colleagues to accept this for yielding. get their questions answered, or they amendment so that we can continue to ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIR get approved but they can’t get their make progress with rural broadband. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman money. Their eligibility is too broad. Mr. KINGSTON. I yield back the bal- will suspend. And in many areas, it competes with ance of my time. The gentleman from New York must private sector broadband service. Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Chairman, I move remain on his feet. Now, the IG report had a number of to strike the requisite number of Mr. GOSAR. I rise in support of the things that they found. They found words. amendment proposed by Mr. GIBSON that this rural broadband program The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman and Mr. OWENS because I think it is ex- granted loans of $103 million to 64 com- from Wyoming is recognized for 5 min- actly what the American people want munities near large cities, including utes. us to do here in Washington. The peo- $45 million loans to 19 suburban sub- Mrs. LUMMIS. Respectfully, my ple expect us to be responsible with divisions within a few miles of Hous- chairman and I disagree on this issue. their tax money. The people have made ton, Texas. That’s hardly the intent of I raised this in our subcommittee of it clear, more than clear, that the Fed- the program. Appropriations, and his superior abili- eral Government is too big. Our job is The IG report also found out that ties to convince the subcommittee pre- to look for waste, inefficiencies, and they were competing with preexisting vailed. But I weigh in on the side of Mr. bloat. The Gibson-Owens amendment broadband access in many places and GIBSON and Mr. GOSAR, and let me tell has found such bloat and seeks to rem- found that 159 of the 240 communities you why. The information that the committee edy it. associated with the loans—that’s 66 chairman has is correct insofar as it There is no doubt that the USDA percent—already had service. I will re- gives you numbers on broadband access does good work and that the agency peat that. Sixty-six percent of the com- that will allow you a speed of receiving should have suitable workspace to con- munities who got grants already had service that is so slow that it is basi- duct its work. Indeed, as Mr. GIBSON service. cally 20th century rather than 21st cen- has pointed out, the USDA has 3 mil- Now, there was a little criticism, and tury communications. For example, lion square feet of prime office space the program was supposed to be re- under the speed at which the numbers on The National Mall in a beautiful formed. But the IG took another look that the gentleman from Georgia has building that contributes to the archi- at it and found that, in 2009, only eight derived cover, this 99, 98 percent cov- tectural beauty of the Nation’s Capital. out of the 14 recommendations had had erage, it would take you 9 hours to To learn that the USDA also has a action taken on them. Thirty-four of 37 download a movie. Now, who’s going to campus in Maryland that occupies 45 applications for providers were in areas do that? acres of land is, itself, concerning. where there were already private oper- But with this digital world we’re in, With all that office space currently ators offering service, 34 out of 37. the kinds of data that need to be un- available to the USDA in the Wash- So when our committee took a look loaded in order to be a lone eagle, to ington area and an additional $151 mil- at this, we felt like the program needed have a business, to have the type of lion to rent office space elsewhere, why changing. It did not need new money. broadband access that my colleague does the USDA want to rent more of- So I must respectfully disagree with from Arizona would like the Native fice space in D.C.? The people of this my good friends who are offering this Americans in his State to have, would country will not begrudge an and stand in opposition of the amend- require a much faster broadband serv- architecturally distinguished office for ment. ice. And when you look at the speed of the Nation’s Capital, but a luxurious With that, I yield to my friend from the broadband service that is con- high-rent office in addition is too Arizona. sistent with having a robust commu- much. Mr. GOSAR. Well, I would like to dis- nity that has real broadband service, The Acting CHAIR. The time of the agree. And that is, as I serve a vast my State is at the rock bottom. Less gentleman has expired. part of Arizona, 60 percent of Arizona, Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I in which I serve a large number of Na- than half of the people in my State move to strike the last word. tive American tribes which are fighting have the kind of robust service that is The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman to try to get economic development typical of urban areas or suburban from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- and trying to get broadband service, areas. utes. this is exactly the kind of funding that b 2250 Mr. KINGSTON. I want to say to the we want to direct you to the appro- The same could be said for my col- gentleman from Arizona, if I have time priate place. league from Arizona and the areas of left over, I will yield you some. But The Native Americans are exactly his State where Native Americans so you can also get your own 5 minutes if the place that this could go. This is the desperately need the opportunity to you want. economic development that they need, market products over the Internet. So Mr. Chairman, I oppose this. and they’re currently in the process of I encourage my colleagues to support I want to start out by saying that the trying to get that. They’re trying to the position of my colleagues, Mr. GIB- committee has taken a really close build that infrastructure, and this is SON and Mr. GOSAR. And I rise in sup- look at this over the years. And I wish exactly where that fund can be. port of their amendment. you could see, from where you are sit- Mr. KINGSTON. I now yield to the I yield to the gentlelady from Ohio. ting, better the saturation level of gentleman from New York (Mr. GIB- Ms. KAPTUR. I just wanted to ask broadband access in the United States SON). the gentlelady if she would find the of America. That’s in the blue. As you Mr. GIBSON. I thank the chairman present time convenient to enter into can see, the entire country is mostly for yielding. the discussion regarding GIPSA, blue according to this. I just want to reiterate that there is though we are on this amendment at But I would not want your eyes to significant need for expanding access this point. just strain from there, so I will give to rural broadband in America. We’ve Mrs. LUMMIS. With the Chairman’s you some numbers here: got over 50 districts that have at least leave, I would consent. New Jersey, 100 percent penetration; 10 percent of their population that are The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman Florida, 99.9 percent penetration; New not in the 21st century, that don’t have is recognized. York, 99.8 percent; Georgia, 99.4 per- access to the high-speed broadband. Mrs. LUMMIS. Would you consent to cent; Arizona, 98.2 percent. I want to remind my colleagues, this a departure as I use the remainder of This program is not necessary. And loan program reduces outlays by $2 my 5 minutes to discuss the issue of in a time when we’re talking about million in 2012, according to the CBO. the stockyards and the GIPSA rule? saving money, we do not need to in- This program should not be zeroed out. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman crease this account. The process is bur- It should not go from $22 million to is recognized for the remaining time. densome. We get lots of complaints zero. We should accept this amend- Mrs. LUMMIS. I yield to my col- from people who have had applications ment. league from Ohio.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.200 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4261 Ms. KAPTUR. I thank the gentle- in that role. Some of our policy supporting advantage to any particular person or local- woman. And while I will not offer an the authority of GIPSA includes: ity in any respect, or subject any particular amendment to strip section 721, a legis- ‘‘We . . . oppose any attempt to lessen the person or locality to any undue or unreason- ability of [GIPSA] to adequately enforce the lative provision that prevents the U.S. able prejudice or disadvantage in any re- act and its regulations.’’ spect.’’ The ambiguity of these terms has re- Department of Agriculture from doing ‘‘We support more vigorous enforcement of sulted in uncertainty in the marketplace and its job as instructed in the farm bill, U.S. antitrust laws in keeping with original hindered enforcement of the Act. relative to fair competition in meat intent; to include . . . [the] Packers and Key provisions of the proposed GIPSA products so consumers get fairly priced Stockyards Act of 1921.’’ rules would: meats, I otherwise rise in strong oppo- ‘‘The Packers and Stockyards Act should Provide contract growers with common- sition to the language that’s in the be amended to . . . strengthen the ability of sense protections when making expensive in- GIPSA to stop predatory practices in the vestments in facilities on their farms to bill. meat packing industry.’’ meet the packer or poultry company require- And when the authorizing committee We support ‘‘establishing GIPSA as the ments; provide growers, farmers, and ranch- wrote the farm bill, USDA was directed overall authority and provider of oversight ers with access to the information necessary to use the existing packers and stock- to ensure livestock contracts are clearly- to make wise business decisions regarding yards act to restore fairness to live- written, confidentiality concerns are ad- their operations; require transparency and stock and poultry contract markets. dressed, investments are protected . . .’’ as eliminate deception in the way packers, But instead of allowing the agency to well as ‘‘enhanced price transparency, [and] swine contractor and poultry companies pay do its job, Congress, in an uneven- price discovery,’’ and ensuring that ‘‘con- farmers; eliminate collusion between pack- tractors honor the terms of contracts.’’ handed way, has allowed itself to be- ers in auction markets; and provide clarity These overarching policy principles guide about the types of industry practices the come captured by the consolidated Farm Bureau’s comments on this proposed agency will consider to be unfair, unjustly meat industry. rule. discriminatory, or when certain practices And while ranchers, farmers and pro- It is also worth noting that Farm Bureau give unreasonable preference or advantage. ducers are increasingly being squeezed has consistently requested thorough eco- These are all terms used in the existing stat- out of the markets, and small, local nomic analysis from agencies when promul- ute, which have never been adequately de- slaughterhouses continue to close, gating new rules. Without such an analysis fined. it is difficult for America’s farmers and large consolidated players manipulate Prohibit retaliation by packers, swine con- ranchers to assess the true impact of rules tractors or poultry companies against farm- the rules to favor their own business and to understand all of the implications of ers for speaking about the problems within operations, and meat prices rise. Con- proposed rules. This rule is no exception. industry or joining with other farmers to gress simply can’t stand by silent. We oppose language to preclude USDA voice their concerns and seek improvements. So on behalf of the millions of farm- from reviewing the comments and com- Currently, many farmers are often retaliated ers, ranchers and producers that strug- pleting their economic analysis and are against economically for exercising these gle every day to survive as they face strongly opposed to any action that would legal rights. the gargantuan task of competing stop work on that rule. Allow premiums to be paid to livestock Sincerely, against monopolistic entities, I oppose producers who produce a premium product, BOB STALLMAN, but requires the packer or swine contractors the base language in 721. President. to keep records to detail why they provide And I would like to place two state- certain pricing and contract terms to certain ments in the RECORD, a letter from the House of Representatives, producers. American Farm Bureau opposing sec- Washington, DC, April 21, 2011. Reduce litigation in the industry by elimi- tion 721 and a letter from over 140 orga- ATTN: Agriculture & Appropriations Leg- nating the ambiguity in interpretation of nizations supporting the pro-competi- islative Aides the terms of the Packers and Stockyards DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: As a result of rapid tion proposals made by the Department Act. Such ambiguity leads to litigation as consolidation and vertical integration, the farmers and packers seek court action to of Agriculture. livestock and poultry markets of this nation clarify the intent of the Act. AMERICAN FARM have reached a point where anti-competitive GIPSA has received approximately 60,000 BUREAU FEDERATION, practices dominate, to the detriment of pro- comments on the proposed rule during the Washington, DC, May 31, 2011. ducers and consumers. Numerous economic five-month public comment period that Hon. MARCY KAPTUR, studies in recent years have demonstrated ended in November 22 of 2010. USDA is in the House of Representatives, House Office Build- the economic harm of current market struc- process of analyzing those comments, and ing, Washington, DC. tures and practices, and have called for providing the in-depth cost-benefit analysis DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN KAPTUR: On behalf greater enforcement of existing federal laws necessary before issuing the final rule. of the six million families represented by the in order to restore competition to livestock Because of the great importance of this American Farm Bureau Federation, we write and poultry markets. rule to livestock and poultry producers and to support your amendment to allow the Ag- Until recently, Congress and the U.S. De- consumers, and the large volume of misin- riculture Department (USDA) the oppor- partment of Agriculture have largely ignored formation about the rule perpetuated by tunity to complete reviewing the 60,000 com- these trends. Fortunately, Congress included livestock and poultry trade associations and ments received and the proposed rule enti- language in the 2008 Farm Bill to require the packer-producer groups, the undersigned or- tled ‘‘Implementation of Regulations Re- U.S. Department of Agriculture to write reg- ganizations are writing to reiterate our quired Under Title XI of the Food, Conserva- ulations, using its existing Packers and strong support for the GIPSA rule and for its tion and Energy Act of 2008; Conduct in Vio- Stockyards Act authorities, to begin to re- swift publication in final form. lation of the Act.’’ It is also imperative that store fairness and competition in livestock We urge your support for the GIPSA rule- USDA continue its economic analysis of the and poultry markets. making process, and its efforts to restore rule. On June 22, 2010, the Grain Inspection fairness and competition in our nation’s live- Farm Bureau is in the unique position of Packers and Stockyards Agency (GIPSA) stock and poultry markets. representing every species impacted by this issued proposed rules to implement the 2008 Sincerely, rule. We also have no affiliation with major Farm Bill mandates, and to address related Agriculture and Land Based Training As- packers, integrators or processors, and anticompetitive practices in the livestock sociation (CA); Alabama Contract therefore our only interest is the impact of and poultry industries. These reforms are Poultry Growers Association; Alliance this rule on farmers and ranchers. Because of long overdue and begin to respond to the for a Sustainable Future (PA); Alter- this unique position, there are several provi- criticisms by farm groups, consumer groups, native Energy Resources Organization sions in this rule that we strongly support, the Government Accountability Office and (AERO)—MT; Ambler Environmental while others give us pause. USDA’s Inspector General about USDA’s Advisory Council; American Agri- Generally speaking, Farm Bureau’s philos- past lack of enforcement of the Packers and culture Movement; American Corn ophy supports a market environment where Stockyards Act. The proposed GIPSA rules Growers Association; American Fed- our farmers and ranchers can sell their prod- define and clarify terms in the Act in order eration of Government Employees uct in a way that best fits with their indi- to make enforcement more effective, and to (AFL-CIO), Local 3354, USDA-St. Louis vidual operation and risk aversion level. Our provide clarity to all players in livestock (representing Rural Development and policy clearly states that ‘‘We support ef- and poultry markets. Farm Loan employees in Missouri, forts to ensure open markets to all pro- The Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 Oklahoma, and Kansas); American ducers.’’ Over the years, our farmers and makes it unlawful for packers, swine con- Grassfed Association; American Raw ranchers have recognized the need for a ref- tractors, and live poultry dealers to engage Milk Producers Pricing Association; eree in the marketplace, and Farm Bureau in any ‘‘unfair, unjustly discriminatory, or Ashtabula-Lake-Geauga County Farm- policy supports the Grain Inspection, Pack- deceptive practice or device,’’ or to ‘‘make or ers Union; BioRegional Strategies; ers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) give any undue or unreasonable preference or Buckeye Quality Beef Association

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.204 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 (Ohio); C.A.S.A. del Llano (TX) Cali- Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Al- ing the record. And, finally, it will un- fornia Dairy Campaign; California liance; Northeast Organic Farming As- dermine long overdue fairness in poul- Farmers Union; California Food & Jus- sociation—NY; Northeast Organic try and livestock contracts for millions tice Coalition; Campaign for Contract Farming Association, Interstate Coun- of farmers, ranchers and producers. Agriculture Reform; Campaign for cil; Northern Plains Resource Council; Family Farms and the Environment; Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance; By allowing section 721 to remain in Carolina Farm Stewardship Associa- Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Asso- the bill, the House is standing with the tion; Cattle Producers of Louisiana; ciation; Ohio Environmental Steward- few big meatpackers and against the Cattle Producers of Washington; Cen- ship Alliance; Ohio Farmers Union; Or- many thousands and thousands of pro- ter for Celebration of Creation; Center egon Livestock Producers Association; ducers. for Food Safety; Center for Rural Af- Oregon Physicians for Social Responsi- To understand how illogical this fairs; Chemung County Church Women bility; Oregon Rural Action; Organic committee’s action is, I refer the House United (NY); Chemung County Council Consumers Association; Organic Farm- to the committee report where, on of Churches (NY); Chemung County ing Research Foundation; Organic Seed Council of Women (NY); Church Women Alliance; Organization for Competitive competition issues, the committee di- United of Chemung County (NY); Markets; Partnership for Earth Spir- rected USDA to submit legal docu- Church Women United of New York ituality; Past Regents Club, Catholic ments by June 10, 5 days ago, and be- State; Citizens for Sanity.Com, Inc.; Daughters of the Americas, Diocese of fore the House began consideration of Citizens for Sludge-Free Land; Colo- Rochester, NY; PCC Natural Markets; this bill. On its face, the committee rado Independent CattleGrowers Asso- Pennsylvania Farmers Union; has directed the agency to comply with ciation; Community Alliance for Glob- Pennypack Farm and Education Center something before the House has even al Justice; Community Farm Alliance (PA); Pesticide Action Network North (Kentucky); Community Food Security considered the bill. Is this proper? America; Pomona Grange #1, Chemung Furthermore, I would note that, iron- Coalition; Contract Poultry Growers County NY; Powder River Basin Re- Association of the Virginias; Court St source Council (WY); R-CALF United ically, if section 721 were to be imple- Joseph #139, Coming/Elmira, Catholic Stockgrowers of America; Rocky mented, the agency would not be able Daughters of the Americas, Corning, Mountain Farmers Union; Rural Ad- to comply with its own report lan- NY; Crawford Stewardship Project; vancement Foundation International— guage. If there ever was a time that the Cumberland Counties for Peace & Jus- USA (RAFI-USA); Rural Coalition; Sis- Appropriations Committee has over- tice; Dakota Resource Council; Dakota ters of St. Francis of Philadelphia; stepped its bounds, this is it. Rural Action; Davidson College Office Slow Food USA; South Dakota Live- of Sustainability; Ecological Farming After the 2002 farm bill, this com- stock Auction Markets Association; mittee prevented USDA from imple- Association; Endangered Habitats South Dakota Stockgrowers Associa- League; Family Farm Defenders; Farm tion; St John the Baptist Fraternity of menting an important provision of law Aid; Farm and Ranch Freedom Alli- the Secular Franciscan Order, Elmira, known as the Country of Origin label- ance; Farmworker Association of Flor- NY; Sustain LA; Taos County Eco- ing. It was the same consolidated meat ida; Fay-Penn Economic Development nomic Development Corporation; Texas packing industry crying from the Council; Federation of Southern Co- Farmers Union; The Cornucopia Insti- operatives; Food & Water Watch; Food rafters with claims of exaggerated eco- tute; Tilth Producers of Washington; Chain Workers Alliance; Food Democ- nomic costs which was behind the meat Trappe Landing Farm & Native Sanc- racy Now!; Food for Maine’s Future; labeling COOL delay. We seem to have tuary; Veteran Grange #1118, Chemung Gardenshare: Healthy Farms, Healthy returned to the dark days, recycling County, NY; Virginia Association for Food, Everybody Eats; Biological Farming; Western Organiza- the same talking points. Georgia Poultry Justice Alliance; Grass- tion of Resource Councils (WORC); It took us almost 8 years and, finally, roots International; Heartland Center/ WhyHunger; Women, Food and Agri- consumers now have the legal right to Office of Peace and Justice for the Dio- see where their meat comes from, cese of Gary, Indiana and the Integrity culture Network. of Creation; Hispanic Organizations The meatpackers have a stranglehold which is what the vast majority of the Leadership Alliance; Idaho Rural Coun- on this House, scaring Members with American people wanted. So on behalf cil; Illinois Stewardship Alliance; Inde- millions of dollars in campaign con- of the millions of farmers, ranchers and pendent Beef Association of North Da- tributions and real threats of political independent producers, I pledge to con- kota (I-BAND); Independent Cattlemen retribution. Instead of engaging in tinue this fight and to prevent a simi- of Nebraska; Independent Cattlemen of well-meaning public debate and at- lar 8 years of delay and confusion on Wyoming; Institute for Agriculture and USDA competition rules in the meat Trade Policy; Iowa Citizens for Com- tempting to win on the merits of the munity Improvement; Iowa Farmers argument, the National Cattlemen’s industry. Union; Island Grown Initiative Izaak Beef Association, which has a right to Let USDA do its job. Walton League; Kansas Cattlemen’s speak out, but not a right to intimi- I thank the gentleman and the gen- Association. date, sent out a national notice to its tlewoman so much for their consider- Kansas Farmers Union; Kansas Rural members to harass the American Farm ation. Center; Ladies of Charity of Chemung Mr. KING of Iowa. Reclaiming my County (NY); Land Stewardship Bureau. This is not the nature of well- meaning debate and, for many, has time, I thank the gentlelady for her at- Project; Main Street Opportunity Lab; tention to this matter, both Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns; crossed the line of propriety. Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; I urge my colleagues to resist the gentleladies for their attention to this Michigan Farmers Union; Michigan misinformation and to stand strong for matter and for standing up with and Land Trustees; Michigan Organic Food independent producers and family for the best interests of agriculture. and Farm Alliance; Midwest Environ- farmers and ranchers. Mr. FARR. Mr. Chair, I submit the mental Advocates; Midwest Organic Section 721 of the base bill goes fur- following: Dairy Producers Association; Min- ther than many realize. It will stop STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY nesota Farmers Union; Missionary So- USDA from conducting its economic H.R. 2112—AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, ciety of St. Columban; Mississippi FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RE- Livestock Markets Association; Mis- analysis of this industry. LATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012 souri Farmers Union; Missouri Rural The Acting CHAIR. The time of the Crisis Center; National Catholic Rural gentlewoman has expired. (REP. ROGERS, R–KY) Life Conference; National Family Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I The Administration has serious concerns Farm Coalition; National Farmers Or- move to strike the requisite number of about the content of H.R. 2112, making ap- ganization; National Farmers Union; words. propriations for Agriculture, Rural Develop- National Latino Farmers & Ranchers The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is ment, Food and Drug Administration, and Trade Association; National Sustain- recognized for 5 minutes. Related Agencies programs for the fiscal able Agriculture Coalition; Nebraska Mr. KING of Iowa. I yield to the gen- year ending September 30, 2012, and for other Farmers Union; Nebraska Sustainable tlelady from Ohio. purposes. The Administration is committed Agriculture Society; Nebraska Wildlife to ensuring the Nation lives within its Federation; Network for Environ- Ms. KAPTUR. I thank the gentleman means and reducing the deficit so that the mental & Economic Responsibility; so very much for that kind effort. Nation can compete in the global economy New England Small Farm Institute; The current proposal will silence the and win the future. That is why the Presi- Nonviolent Economics; North Carolina nearly 60,000 comments on the rule be- dent put forth a comprehensive fiscal frame- Contract Poultry Growers Association; cause it will prevent USDA from read- work that reduces the deficit by $4 trillion,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JN7.097 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4263 supports economic growth and long-term job its current market oversight and enforce- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I de- creation, protects critical investments, and ment functions. Moreover, the funding level mand a recorded vote. meets the commitments made to provide would significantly curtail the timely, effec- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to dignity and security to Americans no matter tive implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall their circumstances. Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- While overall funding limits and subse- including new CFTC responsibilities to regu- ceedings on the amendment offered by quent allocations remain unclear pending late the $300 trillion swaps derivatives mar- the gentleman from New York will be the outcome of ongoing bipartisan, bi- ket. postponed. cameral discussions between the Administra- International Food Aid. The Administra- AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. tion and congressional leadership on the Na- tion opposes the level of funding provided for BLUMENAUER the Food for Peace Title II international tion’s long-term fiscal picture, the bill pro- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chairman, I vides insufficient funding for a number of food aid program as it would severely limit programs in a way that undermines core gov- the United States’ ability to provide food as- have an amendment at the desk. ernment functions and investments key to sistance in response to emergencies and dis- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will economic growth and job creation. Programs asters around the world. Given a statutory designate the amendment. adversely affected by the bill include: floor on non-emergency development food The text of the amendment is as fol- Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The Ad- aid, a reduction would be borne entirely by lows: ministration strongly objects to the level of the emergency component of the program, At the end of the bill (before the short funding provided for nutrition programs that and would prevent distribution of emergency title), insert the following new section: are critical to the health of nutritionally at- food aid to over 1.1 million beneficiaries. SEC. ll. None of the funds made available risk women, infants, children, and elderly In addition, the bill includes the following by this Act may be used to pay the salaries adults. The proposed funding levels would problematic policy and language issues: and expenses of personnel of the Department lead to hundreds of thousands of participants Restrictions on Finalizing USDA Regula- of Agriculture to provide benefits described being cut from the Special Supplemental Nu- tions. The Administration opposes the inclu- in section 1001D(b)(1)(C) of the Food Security trition Program for Women, Infants and sion of section 721 of the bill, which effec- Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)(1)(C)) to a per- Children (WIC) and the Commodity Supple- tively prevents USDA’s Grain Inspection, son or legal entity in excess of $125,000. mental Food Program, and reduce Federal Packers and Stockyards Administration support for food banks. These cuts would un- from finalizing a rule on conduct that would The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman dermine efforts to prevent hunger and sup- violate the Packers and Stockyards Act of from Oregon is recognized for 5 min- port sound nutrition for some of the most 1921. The final rule has not yet been pub- utes. vulnerable members of our society. lished and any concerns about the rule are better addressed through the standard rule- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chairman, Food Safety. The Administration is con- these are challenging budgets and dif- cerned with the funding provided in the bill making process than through an appropria- for the Department of Agriculture’s tions rider. ficult economic times. But unfortu- Restrictions on FDA Regulations and (USDA’s) Food Safety and Inspection Service nately, there really are alternatives to Guidance. The Administration strongly op- (FSIS) which will significantly hamper slashing environmental payments and poses section 740 of the bill, which would un- USDA’s ability to inspect food processing nutritional support in the farm bill. dermine or nullify FDA statutory standards plants and prevent food borne illnesses and that have been in place for decades and that There is an alternative to reform and disease such as E. coli and Salmonella from are essential to protect the health of Ameri- modernize. contaminating America’s food supply. The cans. The provision would unduly limit the The last farm bill pretended to start Committee’s recommendation may require factors that FDA considers in determining limitations in payments. But exempted the agency to furlough employees including the best ways to protect the public from un- from the modest limitations in some frontline inspectors which make up over 80 safe foods; protect the safety of the blood percent of FSIS staff. By reducing FSIS in- areas were market loan payments, loan supply from HIV, West Nile Virus, and other deficiency payments, and commodity spections, food processing plants may be infections; ensure the safety of infant for- forced to reduce line speeds, which could mula; protect patients from drugs and med- certificates not capped. This means lead to decreasing product output and prof- ical devices that have not been shown to be that entities can virtually receive un- its, as well as plant closures. safe and effective; assure that food labeling limited title I dollars under the current Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI). and health claims on foods are accurate; and law. The Administration is concerned that the reduce youth use of tobacco products and Mr. Chairman, it’s important for us, bill does not support HFFI, which is a key otherwise reduce illness and death caused by initiative to combat childhood obesity. HFFI as we are dealing with trying to reduce tobacco use. the strain on the Federal budget, to do will expand USDA’s activities to bring WTO Trade Dispute. The Administration is healthy foods to low-income Americans and concerned by a provision in section 743 that so in a way that is strategic. The increase the availability of affordable, would eliminate payments that are being amendment I propose would establish a healthy foods in underserved urban and rural made as part of the mutually agreed settle- $125,000 payment limitation in total. communities by bringing grocery stores and ment of a World Trade Organization (WTO) Now, this will save two-thirds of a bil- other fresh food retailers to ‘‘food desert’’ dispute regarding U.S. domestic cotton sup- lion dollars. communities where there is little or no ac- ports and the export credit guarantee pro- cess to healthy food. Bear in mind that we are now cutting gram. The framework serves as a basis to existing environmental contracts if Research. The bill provides insufficient avoid trade-related countermeasures by funds for USDA research programs, which Brazil that are authorized by the WTO until this bill came forward. The majority of are needed to help solve food production, the enactment of successor legislation to the farmers and ranchers in this country safety, quality, energy and environmental current Farm Bill. Under the agreement, the still receive nothing, 62 percent receive problems. By reducing funding for the Agri- United States is committed to fund technical nothing. In my State of Oregon, it’s 87 cultural Research Service to its lowest level assistance and capacity-building support for percent of the farmers and ranchers. since 2004 as well as inadequately funding Brazil’s cotton sector. The bill’s provision the Nation’s competitive grant program, the It’s time to start with modest restric- preempts the resolution process and would tions on government subsidies. bill will hinder the Department’s ability to open the door to retaliation negatively af- develop solutions to address current as well fecting U.S. exports and interests. There are a wide range of areas in as impending critical national and inter- The Administration strongly opposes in- this budget. As it’s working its way national challenges. clusion of ideological and political provi- through the House, we’re going to see Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The sions that are beyond the scope of funding very dramatic reductions, almost a Administration is concerned that the fund- legislation. third in transportation. We sliced $1 ing level in the bill and resulting staff reduc- The Administration looks forward to work- billion from sewer and water programs tions will severely limit the FDA’s ability to ing with the Congress as the fiscal year 2012 protect the public’s health, assure the Amer- appropriations process moves forward to en- to State and local governments. At a ican consumer that food and medical prod- sure the Administration can support enact- time of record high farm commodity ucts are safe, and improve Americans’ access ment of the legislation. prices, this would be a time to place to safe and less costly generic drugs and bio- Mr. KING of Iowa. I yield back the this modest limitation. logics. balance of my time. There’s actually a question whether Commodity Futures Trading Commission The Acting CHAIR. The question is or not some of these payments even go (CFTC). The Administration strongly objects to farmers at all. In 2009, some of the to the funding level for CFTC, as it would the amendment offered by the gen- cause a cut in staffing levels and seriously tleman from New York (Mr. GIBSON). entities that received title I hand- undermine CFTC’s ability to protect inves- The question was taken; and the Act- outs—the Fidelity National Title Insti- tors and consumers by effectively policing ing Chair announced that the ayes ap- tute received over $4.85 million. Almost the futures and swaps marketplace through peared to have it. $3 million went to the Mercer County

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JN7.083 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 Abstract Company. The American Mar- tecting farmers during catastrophic 2012. So I encourage my colleagues to keting Peanut Association received weather events is the least we can do oppose this amendment. largesse from the Federal Government to maintain a stable food supply in our I yield back the balance of my time. worth over $3.98 million. country. Mr. HIMES. I move to strike the last My colleagues in the Midwest have word. b 2300 seen firsthand the devastation that The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman These aren’t the small family farm- comes with flooding. My colleagues in from Connecticut is recognized for 5 ers that I think all of us would like to the Southwest know how droughts can minutes. support. turn healthy farms into desolation. For Mr. HIMES. Mr. Chairman, I rise in In this day and age, it’s embarrassing that reason alone, I urge my colleagues support of the amendment offered by to be giving away $4 million of tax- to oppose this amendment. But I also my colleague from Oregon. payer money in 1 year to a private, for- urge you to oppose it because policy And with all due respect to the rank- profit company when I think what we changes like this should be conducted ing member, I think the effort to limit should be doing is concentrating on the within the broader context of all farm these subsidies is both fiscally respon- support for America’s farmers and bill policy. sible, more in keeping with the kind of ranchers. We have the opportunity, I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on market economics that so many of us with this amendment, to take a step in this amendment. in this Chamber believe are the right this direction. I yield back the balance of my time. way to go, and will help the health of I would strongly urge that my col- Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I the American people, something that leagues join with me in adopting this move to strike the last word. will have a dramatic impact on the ris- amendment establishing a $125,000 The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman ing health care costs in this country. overall limit, and be able to start sav- from Minnesota is recognized for 5 min- Mr. Chairman, the amendment would ing two-thirds of $1 billion and send a utes. limit the total title I payments to farm signal that we’re serious about reform- Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I op- entities to less than $125,000 a year. It ing spending. pose this amendment, and I want to as- doesn’t eliminate them; it simply lim- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- sociate myself with the remarks of its them. Under current law, market ance of my time. Chairman LUCAS. loan payments, loan deficiency pay- Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to In the 2008 farm bill, we spent a lot of ments, and commodity certificates are strike the last word. time working through this payment not capped, and entities can receive un- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman limitation issue. There were a lot of limited title I dollars. from Oklahoma is recognized for 5 min- different ideas and a lot of different Mr. Chairman, 4 hours ago in this utes. discussions, and it was not easy. We Chamber, we debated amendments that Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in made significant reforms in this pay- would eliminate and gut the WIC pro- opposition to this amendment. This ment limitation area, and as the chair- gram, WIC—women, infants and chil- amendment would have far-reaching man indicated, we came to a resolution dren. This is a program that seeks to and devastating effects for America’s and people are relying on that. We’ve provide basic food to poor children, to farmers. I’m not sure the gentleman is got a 5-year farm bill. People make de- poor families. aware of the full extent of this amend- cisions not from year to year; they There were amendments that would ment. make them in the long term, and it’s eliminate the Food for Peace program This amendment throws the Non- just not fair to come in and change whereby we send food—in those bags insured Crop Disaster Program into an things in the middle of the stream. that we’ve all seen, ‘‘A gift from the arbitrary payment limit scheme. This One of the other things we did is we people of the United States of Amer- program, in which farmers pay a fee to applied the payment limitations to all ica’’—to people who are starving obtain crop insurance coverage, pro- of the programs, and as I understand around this planet, a gift from the peo- tects them from catastrophic events this amendment, it only applies to the ple of the United States of America at like flooding and tornados. If this commodity title. So we’re once again a moment when we can use friends. amendment passes, farmers who have going to create a different set of pay- And we said we’re going to gut them, been flooded out are quite literally up ment limitations for one part of the we’re going to reduce them. Why would a creek without a paddle. They won’t farm program compared to another. you do that? You would only do that if get the coverage they’ve signed up for I don’t know exactly what the pur- you face the kind of budget constraints even though they’ve paid in. pose of this is because the farm pro- that we face today. A brutal necessity This amendment would also affect grams are not designed to be a welfare to find savings. the permanent disaster program. Pro- program or to pick winners and losers Here we have an opportunity to save ducers were required to purchase crop and decide how big a farm is going to nearly $1 billion in subsidies to large insurance to be eligible for that pro- be and all that sort of stuff. The pur- producers. These are not small farmers, gram. This amendment would be a bait pose of these farm programs is to sup- as my colleague from Oregon said. The and switch—they’ve fulfilled their end port production agriculture so we can top 10 percent of subsidy recipients re- of the bargain, but we’re pulling the feed this country and, frankly, feed the ceive almost three-quarters of these rug out from under them now. world. You read all these stories com- funds. This is not the small farmer; There’s a time and a place to debate ing from all over the world that we’re these are big conglomerates. the appropriate level of support for worried that we’re not going to have These subsidies are bailouts. We hear farmers. I welcome that debate as a enough food to feed all of the increase a lot about bailouts in this Chamber. part of the 2012 farm bill process which in population and all that stuff. If you And nobody thinks bailouts are a good will in effect begin next week. The Ag- go down this track, you’re going to go thing. These are slow-motion, year-in- riculture Committee will be auditing down a policy that’s going to make it and-year-out bailouts of an industry. farm programs for effectiveness and ef- very difficult for us to feed the world. Many of my colleagues support both ficiency, and then we will seek input So this is ideology run amok. Some the goals of fiscal responsibility and from across the country on the best people have problems with the way the idea that markets are efficient. way to support our farmers and ranch- we’ve designed this safety net. And I Here, not only are we taking taxpayer ers while making good use of taxpayer think we could do a better job, but this dollars and sending them to a slow mo- dollars. is just the wrong thing to do. This is tion, perpetual bailout, but we’re doing Discussing farm programs in the con- too complicated an issue to settle here it in such a way that it creates cheap text of a farm bill will represent hon- on the floor in a few minutes of debate. corn sugars and other things that go est, transparent policymaking. This And it’s just not fair to the people that into the fast-food that exacerbate the amendment prevents that discussion have made long-term decisions, have obesity problem in this country. This from taking place by altering the invested a lot of money based on ex- is a bad idea. And I urge my colleagues terms of the contracts with farmers pecting that this farm bill was going to to support this amendment for both fis- once they’ve already been signed. Pro- be in this form until September 30, cal health and sheer market grounds.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.207 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4265 I yield to my colleague from Oregon. they didn’t like the process, they need- he was just really, really amazed at Mr. BLUMENAUER. I thank the gen- ed to take that up with Speaker PELOSI how impressive that nuclear submarine tleman, and I appreciate his kind words and them. was. So he turned to the captain and he and thoughtful analysis. The process going forward that I an- asked the captain, he said, Captain, b 2310 ticipate happening next year is that we how long can this nuclear submarine will begin, as the chairman has said, to stay underwater without coming up? It The approach that we are taking here audit these farm bill programs over the is so fine, we have spent so much is to put an overall limit of $125,000 in next several months. We will then money and it is an excellent machine. addition to what we are talking about. craft, with limited resources, a new The captain looked at him and said, This would have only affected about farm bill that will be introduced in the Mr. Chairman, how long would you 6,500 entities in 2009. It is an appro- committee, debated through sub- guess? And Mr. de la Garza said he priate step forward. committees and at the full committee, thought for a while, and he said, Well, I hear some of my colleagues con- and then we will bring it to the floor. maybe a year? And the captain chuck- cerned about changing the rules for a It will be exposed to all of these argu- led and said, Mr. Chairman, we can few thousand people who are getting ments in an appropriate manner that stay underwater for as long as we have huge amounts of subsidy. You know, should take place, not in the appropria- food for the crew. this bill will change the rules for tens tions process. We in this country will be able to de- of thousands of farmers and ranchers I know my colleagues on the other fend ourselves and we will be able to who would otherwise get environ- side of the aisle did not vote for the have a strong country as long as we mental protections, payments for envi- budget we passed here in April. That have food, and right now we are headed ronmental programs. In fact, some of budget clearly said the appropriations to getting imported food for the major- the existing contracts would be abro- process in 2012 would not be used to ef- ity of our people. If we continue with gated. fect a farm bill, that the farm bill the route that we are going, if we im- Now, there are going to be lots of would be written by the Agriculture pose these limitations, if we limit the changes going on. I hope that we start Committee, the authorizing committee ability of our farmers to compete on a now beginning the process of agricul- in 2012. level playing field with our global com- tural reform and making clear that we My colleagues’ arguments are petitors, all of our food will be coming want to start by putting some overall unpersuasive, and I do believe this is from Mexico and South America and limitation during a time of record high an ill-advised amendment to go at a China. farm prices. There is never a good time safety net that, by every description, is We cannot afford for that to happen. to do it. I think the time to do it is complicated, is difficult to understand, America cannot stay strong. Our peo- now. but it has worked to protect produc- ple cannot be healthy. We cannot get I look forward to a spirited debate on tion of agriculture from the risks that safe food if we don’t allow our farmers farm bill reform. I hope at some point they take year in and year out to pro- to have the capacity to earn a living we are able to actually do some mean- vide the safest, most abundant and and to produce the highest quality, the ingful reform, as acknowledged by even cheapest food and fiber source of any safest and most economical food and the proponents from the committee. developed country in the world. fiber anywhere in the industrialized We have got lots of problems with the I urge my colleagues to vote against world. We have to defeat these amendments. existing bill. We could do a better job. the Blumenauer amendment. It is the We have to studiously and assiduously It is complicated. wrong policy at the wrong time and the study the way to reform these pro- Well, this isn’t complicated. This is wrong place. grams and to get cost-effectiveness. straightforward and direct, and I urge I yield back the balance of my time. an ‘‘aye’’ vote in support of the amend- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I move to But tonight in this bill is not the place to do it. The time to do it is when we ment. strike the last word. Mr. HIMES. I yield back the balance The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is take up the farm bill in 2012 with the of my time. recognized for 5 minutes. authorizing committee and all others Mr. CONAWAY. I move to strike the Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Again, I having the opportunity to take our last word. think that this is an amendment that time and to thoughtfully craft a new The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is ill-conceived. I think it will do great farm policy. With that, I urge the defeat of this from Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. harm, and I think it is not timely. I amendment. Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Chairman, once agree with the gentleman that the au- I yield back the balance of my time. again we have come to a point where I thorizing committee has great exper- Mr. KIND. Mr. Chairman, I move to need to defend the work of the Ag Com- tise. We have taken a lot of time to vet strike the requisite number of words. mittee, the authorizing committee, the this program, and I think for us to The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman committee that knows the most about come tonight willy-nilly and do it is from Wisconsin is recognized for 5 min- this process. very, very ill advised. utes. The $125,000 limit is picked out of Nineteen years ago when I came to Mr. KIND. Mr. Chairman, I do rise in whole cloth. It is made up. It is arbi- this body I was on the authorizing support of my friend, my colleague trary. It is capricious. It has no clue committee, on the Agriculture Com- from Oregon’s amendment this what it might have as an impact on the mittee, and the chairman of the com- evening. farmers and ranchers in the district mittee at that time was a gentleman I am not sure if a $125,000 payment and parts that I represent. It is a drive- by the name of Kika de la Garza. Mr. limitation is the right amount, but by shooting of farm policy that, frank- de la Garza was fond of telling us one this isn’t a new concept. There has ly, makes no sense whatsoever if you of his life experiences, and that was his been a lot of discussion about payment are really going to seriously protect submarine story. limitations under title I, and the gen- the production of agriculture in this He said that all of his life, from the tleman is correct. The time to start country. time he was a little boy, even though doing this is now. On the one hand, we hear our col- he grew up in the rural areas in Texas We can pretend that there aren’t leagues on the other side rant about on the farm, that he wanted to ride on major policy changes being made under imported foods, and they want to then a submarine. He always was just enam- this agricultural appropriations bill, turn around and make sure that the ored with submarines. Finally, after he but there are. There are deep cuts in American farmer and producer does not came to Congress and after he became the conservation title. We just had a have the safety net that we promised the chairman of a committee, he had large consortium, a coalition of out- them in 2008. Now, I understand my an opportunity to go out on one of our door sporting groups, write a letter ex- colleagues don’t like that safety net. nuclear submarines. Of course, as the pressing their concern about the deep They had ample opportunity when they guest, he was allowed to take the wheel cuts in the voluntary and incentive- were in the majority in 2008 to effect a and to submerge the submarine, to get based land and water conservation pro- farm bill when it came to this floor. If it up, to play with the periscope, and grams and the impact that is going to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.209 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4266 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 have on quality water and habitat pro- isn’t new, and it’s definitely a step in looks to me like six of the top 20 are tection or the ability of our farmers to the right direction. I think it’s trying actually abstract and title firms that be good stewards of their land. There is to bring more sanity to the title I sub- did work on conservation WRP con- a huge demand for these programs sidy programs, which we shouldn’t be tracts that are not affected by this which will be dramatically affected delaying until the next farm bill which amendment, so that’s a problem. with the deep spending reductions that may or may not happen next year. We You’re throwing all these statistics are contained in this appropriation know it’s tough to get major pieces of around and claiming that these big bill. legislation through during an election guys are getting all this money. But The same goes for the nutrition pro- year, let alone a Presidential election these aren’t even farmers. These are grams. The huge funding reductions year. It could be years from now before law firms. Maybe we should have pay- will have an impact on tens of thou- we have the next farm bill ready to go ment limitations on law firms. That sands of families throughout the Na- with any potential change. might be a good thing. Maybe we tion, low-income children that rely on So I commend my colleague for offer- should only let these guys do $125,000 these programs, the Women, Infants, ing this amendment and for continuing worth of WRP work so that we can and Children program in particular, the discussion, and I encourage my col- spread it around a little bit and make seniors on these nutrition programs. leagues to seriously consider sup- it more fair. That’s the other problem They are going to feel the effects of the porting it. I’m sure the Senate will with this whole concept. decisions that we are making in this have some ideas, too, on things that Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Chairman, I yield Agriculture appropriation bill. they recommend. back the balance of my time. Now, for so many of my colleagues to This, I think, is appropriate and it’s Mr. FARR. I move to strike the last stand up this evening and claim we not new; and to claim that we word. can’t mess with title I program fund- shouldn’t touch title I, yet we’re evis- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman ing, we should wait for the next farm cerating virtually the rest of the farm from California is recognized for 5 min- bill, I think, is disingenuous at best. bill in what we’re doing with this ap- utes. I ask my colleagues tonight, mohair propriations bill, I think is disingen- Mr. FARR. I wasn’t going to rise on subsidies? Is that the best we are going uous. this amendment—and I probably to be able to do? And I would submit to I would be happy to yield to my shouldn’t—but this discussion just bugs my colleagues that the reason why mo- friend from Oregon. me. hair was picked on is because they are Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the I represent more productive agri- not a particularly well-organized, so- gentleman’s words, and I appreciate his culture in my district than anyone in phisticated, politically-connected enti- courtesy. this room—$4 billion in just one coun- ty out there, so it was easy to go after I listened with amusement to my ty—and I represent a bunch of coun- them, as my colleague from Utah friend from Georgia talk about his con- ties. What we grow are specialty crops. showed with his amendment. cern that we’re going to be importing We grow 85 crops in Monterey County. But we have known for a long time food from overseas if we have some rea- As we were talking about earlier, 58 now that these subsidy programs under sonable limitation on these title I pay- percent of all the lettuce in the United title I do distort the marketplace. ments. States is grown in that county. We They do distort our trade policy, as my The food, which are the fruits and grow 35 different varieties of wine Brazil cotton subsidy amendment high- vegetables that the people in my State grapes, and we are the leading counties lighted a little earlier this evening. raise—and I met with a bunch of them in strawberry production and in a And we are long past time to start this last week again—get zip. They get bunch of berry productions. In fact, our making these revisions in light of the nada. We’re cutting back on the re- motto there is that we’re the ‘‘salad huge budget deficits that we are facing. search funding for them. We’re cutting bowl capital of the world,’’ which in- back on marketing. We’re cutting back cludes all of the ingredients in salad— b 2320 on helping them comply with the envi- celery, lettuce. All those things, we When 80 percent of the producers in ronmental requirements that they grow. our Nation get nothing under title I want to meet because they’re good Do you know what? They don’t get a subsidies—not a dime—that leaves a stewards of the land. We’re making it dime of support from the Federal Gov- very small group of entities that is re- harder for them to do the work of pro- ernment. If the market falls, they eat ceiving the bulk of these taxpayer sub- ducing food for America. Yet we’re it. If a disaster comes in, they eat it. sidies, and we all know who they are. having lavish subsidies for five com- So the reason these amendments are They’re the big five grain-producing modities, which is where 90 percent of brought up by Mr. KIND and Mr. entities of this country—corn, soy- the money goes. BLUMENAUER year after year is that, beans, cotton, rice, and wheat. They’re If you really cared about protecting frankly—do you know what?—the farm the ones who are receiving the bulk of the food supply, we’d redirect it. We’d bill doesn’t address this issue. It really these title I subsidy programs. save this $650 million, and we’d put it doesn’t. It’s too tough—it’s too politi- Under the farm bill, there are mul- where it would do more good. cally tough—and there are too many tiple programs which they can be eligi- Mr. KIND. I yield back the balance of vested interests in this town. You have ble for: from the LDP Program, to my time. a whole bunch of agriculture out there, Countercyclical, to the new ACRE Pro- Mrs. LUMMIS. I move to strike the and some people would suggest that gram under the last farm bill, to the requisite number of words. more than all of the money created in Direct Payment Program. Many of us The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman commodity supports is in what they were arguing in the last farm bill from Wyoming is recognized for 5 min- call ‘‘specialty crops,’’ and that’s the whether it was necessary to go forward utes. stuff you eat all the time. with direct payments that bear no rela- Mrs. LUMMIS. I yield to the gen- You can’t have this bifurcated world tionship to current market prices—all tleman from Minnesota. out there where you have a bunch of based on past production history. Mr. PETERSON. I thank the gentle- people who are essentially on welfare Today, we are facing world record lady for yielding. and a bunch of people who are just as- commodity prices in these categories. I just wanted to clarify that it was suming all the risk. What really sur- Not only did we continue them, but we discussed that what we were trying to prises me is that, with the conservative increased the direct payments, and do was to get the top 20 recipients off side of the aisle over here that really is we’re allowing double entities on the of the EWG Web site, and I just got a driven toward market approaches to same fund to qualify for the direct pay- copy of it. solve problems, this is not a market ments. Yet none of that is being dis- Four of the top 10 recipients actually approach. This is a subsidy. It’s a tax- cussed in the context of this Agri- are title or law firms that did work for payer subsidy, and it’s going to very culture appropriations bill. WRP. The top one is Fidelity National wealthy people in some cases. As to my original point, I’m not sure Title at $4.8 million. That is all work So I am rising to say this amend- if 125 is the right level, but the concept that was done on WRP contracts. It ment, as in the past, gets defeated; but

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:44 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.211 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4267 these gentlemen have an issue, and I ing to the census, there are 18,000 black Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. The op- just beg with the leaders. I’ve got great farmers. According to the testimony of portunities for Members to have respect for the ranking member of the the president of the Black Farmers As- amendments is a privilege that should Ag Committee here on our side of the sociation before the Judiciary Com- not be denied. And I respect my col- aisle. I know he can wrestle with these mittee, there are 18,000 black farmers. league from Iowa for his right to offer problems. He’s a CPA. He knows these Well, the 18,000 black farmers esti- an amendment. But it is tragic and dis- things. mating 3,000 claims of discrimination appointing that my friend from Iowa, I think the handwriting is on the became 22,551 claims. That was Pigford who served with me on the Judiciary wall. If the conservatives on your side I. And $1.05 billion was paid out then to Committee, would take this time to de- of the aisle would take this on as an settle all of the claims that were there. mean the tragic lives that black farm- issue that Americans are really going There was an argument made that oth- ers, Native Americans farmers, and to address, we may get some progress ers didn’t get filed. But it always was a others impacted have experienced over on the farm bill. If you don’t, you’re number greater than the actual num- several decades; to raise the name of abandoning your marketing concepts, ber of black farmers. And you can’t Shirley Sherrod, whose eloquent story and you’re abandoning what is needed have more black farmers discriminated and painful story of the loss of her fa- in modern America. against than there actually are. ther in the segregated South, who was Just remember, that apple, that pear, They tried to open up Pigford II. This murdered, and the family had to sur- that banana in there, that celery, the Congress didn’t act on it in an affirma- vive after his tragic murder because of strawberries—the list goes on and on tive way between the House and the his color—to my knowledge, a farmer, with all the fruits and vegetables—they Senate until late last fall in a lame man of the Earth. don’t get any of these payments. So duck session. President Barack Obama I sat on the Judiciary Committee for let’s not have a bifurcated agricultural introduced legislation as a junior Sen- a number of years, and this legislation production out there where half of it ator from Illinois in 1989 and 2007, and proceeded through the Judiciary Com- depends on taxpayer payments and the was instrumental in pushing this mittee. I join the gentleman in want- other half has to just live by market through in a lame duck session that ing to ensure the adequacy of the im- forces. Let’s have everybody a lot more appropriated $1.15 billion to pay out plementation of this settlement. I want influenced by market forces. claims. to stand alongside a transparent sys- I yield back the balance of my time. Now we have not 3,000 claims. We tem. But this was a lawsuit that many The Acting CHAIR. The question is still have 18,000 black farmers. Now we of the litigants died before they even on the amendment offered by the gen- have 94,000 claims and report after re- got to the settlement. This is the tleman from Oregon (Mr. port of fraudulent claims and mar- American way—a battle in the courts, BLUMENAUER). keting this as perpetuation of a fraud a settlement—had it not been for the The question was taken; and the Act- across this country. And my amend- good will of Members of this body on ing Chair announced that the noes ap- ment shuts off the funding that would both sides of the aisle, members of the peared to have it. be used to administer or to fund the Congressional Black Caucus who joined Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chairman, I balance of these Pigford II claims, with members of the Democratic Cau- demand a recorded vote. which this Congress must investigate cus, Republicans, past Presidents, who The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to the fraud that’s here. were concerned and interested in the clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- By the way, Shirley Sherrod, who devastation tragedy of the segregated ceedings on the amendment offered by was fired by the Secretary of Agri- South and a segregated Department the gentleman from Oregon will be culture, was the largest recipient and who treated black farmers in a dis- postponed. the largest civil rights claim in the parate way from others. Individuals AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. KING OF IOWA history of America, with $13 million for who went bankrupt, who lost farms be- Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I her claim. Three days later, Tom cause they could not get the same ac- have an amendment at the desk. Vilsack hired her to work for the cess to agricultural loans that others The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- USDA. Later, he fired her. Later, he could. And in the wisdom of the court port the amendment. hired her back. Then she sued Andrew system and the wisdom of this body The Clerk read as follows: Breitbart. All of these things are infor- and the wisdom of a settlement, relief At the end of the bill (before the short mation that we need to find out. This was brought not before many had died title), insert the following new section: Congress cannot be paying out another and their heirs, trembling, limited, SEC. ll. None of the funds made available $1.15 billion in good money going after scattered, few, were able to come to- by this Act may be used to make payments bad claims. We have reports and video- gether and receive the funding. (or to pay the salaries and expenses of per- tape. One is a class counsel who had his I’m sorry Mr. KING was not at the sonnel of the Department of Agriculture to own videotape and says that he has signing of that final settlement and to make payments) under section 201 of the 3,000 clients who have filed discrimina- see those historic families, patriots, Claims Resolution Act of 2010 (Public Law who expressed nothing but love for this 111–291; 124 Stat. 3070), relating to the final tion claims, and least 10 percent of settlement of claims from In re Black Farmers them are fraudulent claims. A class country. What a tragedy to come and Discrimination Litigation, or section 14012 of counsel, who was included in this sec- interfere with an existing settlement. I the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of ond agreement, which by the way, the don’t even know how he can put this 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2209). court has not finally approved. amendment up on the floor. It’s late. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is So, Mr. Chairman, this amendment We’re losing our voices here. But I recognized for 5 minutes. shuts off the funding that would be would ask my colleagues on both sides Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, used to pay these claims, the funding of the aisle to recognize that there’s this amendment emanates from claims that would be used to administer these nothing wrong with ensuring that the that were filed subsequent to a press claims, and it gives this Congress an Agriculture Department and the sur- conference held by then-Secretary of opportunity to look into what has been rounding entities that are dealing with Agriculture Dan Glickman in 1995, who done to the taxpayer here in America. the distribution of these funds be said that the USDA was discriminating And so I urge adoption of my amend- transparent and without fraud. against black farmers. I believe that ment. I believe that I have explained But it would be absurd for any Mem- happened. Their estimate at the USDA what it amounts to, although it has ber to join and to vote to interfere with at that time was that there were ap- been very intensively in the news over the legitimate settlement of legitimate proximately 3,000 black farmers who the last year or so. claims that have evidenced the pain would file claims under what resulted I would urge its adoption. and devastation and disregard and dis- in a consent decree in the late nineties. I yield back the balance of my time. parate treatment and discrimination Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I move and unconstitutional treatment of b 2330 to strike the last word. farmers who we claim on this floor The 3,000 estimate became 22,551 The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman today to love. Farming is part of the claims of discrimination. But accord- is recognized for 5 minutes. American fabric. And if there’s any

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:48 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.213 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4268 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 body of people who understands farms, SEC. ll. None of the funds made available troduce the bipartisan open fuel stand- it is the ex-slaves who worked for 400 by this Act may be used by the Department ard, H.R. 1687. It’s similar to what I’m years without payment in the cotton of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Adminis- doing now. fields of the South. tration, the Commodity Futures Trading I just wanted to briefly mention that I ask my colleagues to consider op- Commission, or any other Federal Agency receiving funds under this Act to lease or our bill, not this amendment but our posing this amendment, and I rise re- purchase new light duty vehicles, for any ex- bill, would require 50 percent of new spectfully to oppose it. ecutive fleet, or for an agency’s fleet inven- automobiles in 2014, 80 percent in 2016, Mr. FARR. Mr. Chair, Pigford v. Glickman tory, except in accordance with Presidential and 95 percent in 2017 to be warranted was a class action discrimination suit between Memorandum-Federal Fleet Performance, to operate on non-petroleum fuels, in the USDA and black farmers. The suit was dated May 24, 2011. addition to or instead of petroleum- filed by an estimated 2,000 black farmers who The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman based fuels. It would cost $100 or less said that USDA discriminated against them in from New York is recognized for 5 min- per car to manufacture cars that would loan programs. A settlement agreement was utes. be flex fuel cars. approved in 1999. Mr. ENGEL. On May 24, President Compliance possibilities include the The suit claimed that USDA discriminated Obama issued a memorandum on Fed- full array of existing technologies, in- against black farmers on the basis of race and eral fleet performance, which requires cluding flex fuel, natural gas, hydro- failed to investigate or properly respond to that all new light-duty vehicles in the gen, biodiesel, plug-in electric drive, complaints from 1983 to 1997. Federal fleet to be alternate fuel vehi- fuel cell, and a catch-all for new tech- The deadline for submitting a claim was cles, such as hybrid, electric, natural nologies. September 12, 2000. However, a large num- gas, or biofuel, by December 31, 2015. I encourage my colleagues to support ber of applicants filed late and reported defi- the Engel amendment and the open b 2340 ciencies in representation by class counsel. fuel standard as we work toward break- Consequently, the 2008 farm bill (PL 110– My amendment simply echoes the ing our dependence on foreign oil. I 246) permitted any claimant who had sub- Presidential memorandum by prohib- thank Chairman KINGSTON for his cour- mitted a late-filing request under Pigford and iting funds in the Agriculture appro- tesies, and I urge bipartisan support of who hadn’t previously obtained a determina- priations bill from being used to lease my amendment. tion on the merits of their claim should obtain or purchase new light-duty vehicles ex- I yield back the balance of my time. a determination. A maximum of $100 million in cept in accord with the President’s Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Chairman, the mandatory spending was made available for memorandum. chairman of the subcommittee informs payments of these claims in the 2008 farm bill. Two weeks ago, I introduced a simi- me that he will accept the amendment. The multiple claims that were subsequently lar amendment to the Department of The Acting CHAIR. The question is filed by over 25,000 black farmers were con- Homeland Security appropriations bill on the amendment offered by the gen- solidated into a single case, In re Black Farm- that was accepted by both parties and tleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL). ers Discrimination Litigation (commonly re- passed by voice vote unanimously. The amendment was agreed to. ferred to as Pigford II). Our transportation sector is by far AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. KING OF IOWA On February 18, 2010, Attorney General the biggest reason we send $600 billion Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I Holder and Secretary Vilsack announced a per year to hostile nations to pay for have an amendment at the desk. $1.25 billion settlement of these Pigford II oil at ever-increasing costs, but Amer- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- claims. ica doesn’t need to be dependent on for- port the amendment. The Pigford II settlement provides both a eign sources of oil for transportation The Clerk read as follows: fast-track settlement process and high pay- fuel. Alternative technologies exist At the end of the bill (before the short ments to potential claimants who go through a today that, when implemented broadly, title), insert the following: more rigorous review and documentation proc- will allow any alternative fuel to be SEC. ll. None of the funds made available ess. used in America’s automotive fleet. by this Act may be used for mifepristone, Potential claimants can seek the fast-track The Federal Government operates commonly known as RU-486, for any purpose. payments of up to $50,000 plus debt relief, or the largest fleet of light-duty vehicles The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is choose the longer process damages of up to in America. According to GSA, there recognized for 5 minutes. $250,000. are over 660,000 vehicles in the Federal Mr. KING of Iowa. Thank you, Mr. Finally, our Nation’s black farmers who were fleet, with almost 38,000 belonging to Chairman. discriminatecl against by their own govern- the Department of Agriculture. Sup- This is an amendment that comes ment have received some modicum of justice. porting a diverse array of vehicle tech- and there’s an Iowa focus on this that Despite years of political gamesmanship nologies in our Federal fleet will en- affects the whole country. We have had that prevented us from finding a fair resolution, courage development of domestic en- a practice that began experimentally thousands of families who have waited for the ergy resources, including biomass, nat- in Iowa by Planned Parenthood of settlements will now receive them. ural gas, coal, agricultural waste, hy- issuing telemed abortions by distrib- We cannot deny them this basic justice. Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I yield drogen, and renewable electricity. uting RU–486, the abortion pill, what is back the balance of my time. Expanding the role these energy also known as mifepristone, distrib- The Acting CHAIR. The question is sources play in our transportation uting it through a means of setting up on the amendment offered by the gen- economy will help break the leverage a television monitor and it circum- tleman from Iowa (Mr. KING). over Americans held by foreign govern- venting the requirement in Iowa that The question was taken; and the Act- ment-controlled oil companies and will they be seen by a doctor. A doctor sits ing Chair announced that the ayes ap- increase our Nation’s domestic secu- remotely on the other side of the peared to have it. rity and protect consumers from price Skype screen, so to speak, and inter- Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I demand a spikes and shortages in the world’s oil views the potential mother, who if once recorded vote. markets. I ask that we all support my she answers the questions that the doc- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to amendment. tor asks and they record it under film clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- The chairman, the gentleman from that they’ve protected themselves per- ceedings on the amendment offered by Georgia, and I cochair the Oil and Na- haps from liability, he clicks the the gentleman from Iowa will be post- tional Security Caucus, and we do it mouse on the one end and it opens a poned. because we believe that America can- drawer underneath the screen on the AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. ENGEL not be totally free unless we’re energy other end and out rolls the abortion Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, I have an independent and while we still have to pill, RU–486. amendment at the desk. rely on hostile foreign nations to get I am very concerned about the robo The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- our fuel and to get our fuel supplies. distribution of abortion pills in Iowa or port the amendment. On a similar note, I have worked anywhere else. Some of us signed a let- The Clerk read as follows: with my colleagues, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. ter, 70 of us, to Kathleen Sebelius and At the end of the bill (before the short BARTLETT and Mr. ISRAEL, and for asked if they had distributed grants for title), insert the following: many years with Mr. KINGSTON to in- telemedicine to any of the abortion

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:48 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.216 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4269 providers, including Planned Parent- Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I know it’s The Clerk will continue to read. hood. Their response came back in the late, but I rise in opposition to this, be- The Clerk continued to read. affirmative, that they had issued sev- cause, first of all, using telemedicine Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Chairman, I re- eral grants to Planned Parenthood; and by FDA I don’t think is, one, illegal, or serve a point of order on the gentle- these funds, as near as we can deter- ill-wise. Secondly, I think what the man’s amendment. I don’t have a copy mine, are being used to provide tele- gentleman is going to talk about is a of it. medicine for the robo abortions, robo legal drug in the United States. It’s The Acting CHAIR. A point of order Skype abortions as I’ve described. been a legitimate drug in the United is reserved. This amendment provides that none States after it met all of the rigorous The gentleman from Michigan is rec- of the funds made available in this $15 FDA process in 1996 and has been avail- ognized for 5 minutes. million telemedicine line item that’s in able since 2000 in this country. Mr. CLARKE of Michigan. Thank this appropriations bill shall be used I remember vigorous debates in this you, Mr. Chair. for the purpose of purchasing, pre- committee about the conditionality by I would like to let this Congress scribing, dispensing, procuring, or oth- which FDA would license this drug. It know and the American people know erwise administering mifepristone, is legal and available in all 50 States in that I’ve identified a funding source so commonly known as RU–486. the United States, in Washington, DC, that we can provide nutritious food and I would just urge the body to pay at- in Guam, and in Puerto Rico. It’s a pre- fresh fruits and vegetables to those tention to what this means for the scription drug which is not available to Americans who live in areas around country and understand that no one in the public through pharmacies. In- this country that the gentlelady from America paying taxes should be com- stead, its distribution is restricted to Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) so appro- pelled to pay for abortions if they are specifically qualified licensed physi- priately described as food deserts. doing that. Skype-robo abortions are cians. To use it, a woman must go to a As a matter of fact, this government abhorrent. They’re irresponsible. We doctor’s office. currently spends hundreds of millions have 14 deaths of moms that have come Whatever controversy surrounded the of dollars to build agricultural busi- from this; 2,207 adverse events; 339 introduction of RU–486 in the United nesses, to help support farmers, to help blood transfusions; and 612 hospitaliza- States was settled years ago, and new farmers start new agricultural tions. there’s no reason for this amendment businesses in order to address food This is a dangerous drug, and to dis- other than to stir up the controversy desert issues. Unfortunately, that tribute it through robo-Skype abor- over the reproductive rights of women. money is not spent here to help Ameri- tions—I’m opposed to it philosophi- I think by the gentleman’s comments, cans eat better. It’s spent in the Af- cally for a lot of reasons, but practical you can see that that’s what he’s try- ghanistan desert. As a matter of fact, minds who might disagree on the abor- ing to do. in this previous fiscal year, this gov- tion issue should understand that this I would urge us all to oppose this ernment spent over $700 million on ag- government should not be paying for amendment. And frankly it doesn’t ricultural aid in Afghanistan. What I it. This amendment prohibits the use have anything to do with USDA funds, propose is to redirect 1 percent of that of these funds in the $15 million line because we don’t do telemedicine abor- money that’s going to Afghanistan item from being used to provide tele- tions. right now, send it back to the United medicine abortions. I yield back the balance of my time. States so people here can eat nutri- Mr. FARR. Will the gentleman yield? The Acting CHAIR. The question is tional food and have access to fresh Mr. KING of Iowa. I yield to the gen- on the amendment offered by the gen- fruits and vegetables. tleman from California. tleman from Iowa (Mr. KING). And I would like to say one thing. Mr. FARR. Could you tell me where The question was taken; and the Act- The argument on why we’re spending in the bill this has anything to do with ing Chair announced that the ayes ap- that kind of money to support farmers what you’re talking about? peared to have it. in Afghanistan is because we don’t Mr. KING of Iowa. Reclaiming my Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I demand a want those farmers growing poppies to time, I believe I did, but I would re- recorded vote. sell opium to fund safe havens for ter- state that there’s a line item in the bill The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to rorists. We understand that there are that provides $15 million to go to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- people around the world that want to grants for telemedicine. ceedings on the amendment offered by attack this country like they did many Mr. FARR. That’s not in the amend- the gentleman from Iowa will be post- years ago, but because bin Laden is ment that we have. poned. now dead, it’s time for us to reassess Mr. KING of Iowa. The amendment our mission in Afghanistan. We don’t that I have put out here says: ‘‘None of b 2350 need to spend $100 billion a year in Af- the funds made available by this Act AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. CLARKE OF ghanistan right now. We need to take a may be used for mifepristone, com- MICHIGAN share of that money to help the Amer- monly known as RU–486, for any pur- Mr. CLARKE of Michigan. Mr. Chair, ican people. So, if we took 1 percent of pose.’’ I have an amendment at the desk. And so I’ve specified why I’m con- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- the money that we spent last year, we cerned and why I address this language port the amendment. would be able to fund the program pro- to the broader bill, but because there The Clerk read as follows: posed by the gentlewoman from Texas. are grant funds available for telemedi- At the end of the bill (before the short Look, I’ve got young folks in the city cine in the bill, that’s why I’m con- title), insert the following: of Detroit right now that would likely SEC. ll. Of the funds appropriated by di- not have to resort to selling drugs if cerned that this application that I’ve vision B of Public Law 111–117 under the used could well go, and has gone ac- they could make a living in urban agri- heading ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’ for as- culture. We need that money that’s cording to Kathleen Sebelius, to those sistance for Afghanistan, $7,700,000 shall be grants. transferred to, and merged with, funds ap- going to Afghanistan. We need it right If the gentleman doesn’t agree, I propriated by this Act under the heading here in the United States so we can would think he neither would disagree ‘‘Agricultural Marketing Services, Mar- help our farmers here, so we can sup- with the amendment because, there- keting Services’’. port farmers’ markets, so we can pro- fore, it wouldn’t have an effect by the Mr. CLARKE of Michigan (during the vide food and nutritional supplements gentleman’s interpretation. reading). I ask unanimous consent to to our pregnant mothers and to their Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of dispense with the reading, Mr. Chair- infants and children. Our people in the my amendment. man. United States need a share of their own I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection money back here, and that’s why I Mr. FARR. I move to strike the last to the request of the gentleman from wanted to rise to raise this point. word. Michigan? Now, I understand that the rules of The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman Mrs. LUMMIS. I object. this House may not allow me tonight from California is recognized for 5 min- The Acting CHAIR. Objection is to redirect that money from Afghani- utes. heard. stan back here to this budget. And you

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:48 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.221 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4270 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 know what also, too? We could use a ment timeframes prior to having nec- the public disclosure of this informa- share of that money to help retire our essary data, really, if you think about tion will lower the spreads of the Wall deficit and debt at the same time. I’d it, would be arbitrary, would encourage Street banks that do these swaps. like to work with you on that. But you litigation, and will likely have the un- That’s what’s the bottom line of this know what we should do? We should intended consequences on those very whole deal. change these darn rules of the House so same pension funds I talked about— b 0000 we can reduce the overspending, help their ability to protect their investors, create jobs here, reduce health care as well as on the economic growth of If the market participants know costs—because people are going to be our country and job creation. more, like what we do in the exchange eating a lot better, and help the Amer- So, what this amendment would do is trading and so forth, the margins are ican people right now during this eco- require swap data-reporting rules to be going to come down and the profits of nomic recession. finalized and be in place before promul- these big banks are going to shrink. In I’d like to work with you. I’d also gating the final block trade rules or fact, some people have said that they like to work to change the rules of the those real-time reporting criteria think that once this is implemented House so that we can do this, and I un- rules. that it’s probably going to reduce the derstand at this late date this is not Now, I do this because numerous profits of the Wall Street banks 40 per- the time to act, but I’d like to pledge market participants of all shapes and cent. And they don’t like it, and they an agreement to work with the major- sizes have sent to us public comment want to delay it. ity so that we can save the American letters warning of the dangers of get- So some would argue that we need people money, save us health care ting block trades and real-time rules more data collection, and I guess that’s costs, provide better nutrition, address wrong. I will just give you this one. I what you are arguing before this public those food desert issues, fund the ini- had others. I will just give you one of reporting. I think for some swaps, that tiative proposed by the gentlelady from those letters, and that comes from the is the case, and I will agree with that. Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) and help end American Benefits Council. Who are But on other swaps, the institutions this economic recession and return us they? Well, they and their members are already collecting this data. They to prosperity. provide benefit services to over 100 mil- can go forward with this public report- With that, Mr. Chair, I ask unani- lion Americans in the Committee on ing. We have the information. There’s mous consent to withdraw my amend- Investment of Employee Benefit As- no reason to delay it. In other cases ment. sets, whose members include more than where we don’t have the information, The Acting CHAIR. Without objec- 100 of the country’s largest pension it probably isn’t appropriate to delay tion, the amendment is withdrawn. funds and manage more than $1 trillion it. There was no objection. on behalf of 15 million member plan But the CFTC has the discretion to AMENDMENT NO. 22 OFFERED BY MR. GARRETT participants and the beneficiaries. do this, and it’s right in the law. It’s on Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Chairman, I have I will just give you one quote from page 328 of the conference report. And an amendment at the desk. this, not all the other ones: We have we’ve put in there the criteria to allow The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will concerns about the sequencing of pro- them to move ahead with the swaps designate the amendment. posed real-time reporting rules in rela- where we have the data and to delay it The text of the amendment is as fol- tion to the collection of swap market where we don’t have the data. But what lows: information. We believe that they you are trying to do is you are going to At the end of the bill, before the short should first obtain market information delay the whole thing, and all it’s title, insert the following: via reporting of trades of swap data re- going to do is ensure that these profits SEC. ll. None of the funds made available positories—which have to be set up, of and these big bonuses that they’re pay- by this Act may be used by the Commodity course—and then propose rules based ing on Wall Street can go on longer Futures Trading Commission to promulgate on this data such as real-time report- than they need to. any final rules under paragraphs (13) or (14) ing, which necessarily would better So I don’t know any reason why we of section 2(a) of the Commodity Exchange need to do this. If you read this, they Act, as added by section 727 of the Dodd- serve the intended purposes. Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer So, in conclusion, by instituting a have all the discretion. All of the prob- Protection Act, until 12 months after the more commonsense approach to these lems that people brought up with the promulgation of final swap transaction re- rule-makings, we’re giving them the block trades and these other things porting rules under section 21 of the Com- ability to collect that data of the swap that people were concerned about are modity Exchange Act. transaction information to determine in there. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman those reasonable block trade levels And the last thing it says: They have from New Jersey is recognized for 5 that they have to set, the real-time re- to take into account whether the pub- minutes. porting requirement as well, and to do lic disclosure will materially reduce Mr. GARRETT. This is a protect re- so in a way that will not impair the market liquidity. And they are doing tiree pensions and jobs by ensuring a well-functioning of the marketplace. that, and they are doing that as we’re well-functioning swaps market amend- With that, I yield back the balance of going through this process. And I be- ment. my time. lieve that at the end of the day, it’s Mr. Chairman, I ask for your support Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise going to be fine. today for my amendment which would to oppose the amendment and move to Mr. GARRETT. Will the gentleman do that—prevent unintended con- strike the last word. yield? sequences from impacting literally The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman Mr. PETERSON. I yield to the gen- millions of pension plan participants from Minnesota is recognized for 5 min- tleman from New Jersey. and the beneficiaries that follow. My utes. Mr. GARRETT. So the gentleman amendment would simply require the Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman and agrees that there is only partial infor- CFTC to finalize important data-re- Members, this is part of the continuing mation at this point in time out there. porting rules before they implement effort to delay the implementation of Mr. PETERSON. On some things. new rules for certain swap trans- the Dodd-Frank Act as long as pos- Mr. GARRETT. On some things. actions. sible. We’ve seen some other examples On other things, the gentleman See, with this change, it would be of that. This section deals with public would agree that there is no informa- able to collect the transaction data reporting swap data. tion out there at all on certain— that it needs to determine the reason- What people need to understand, the Mr. PETERSON. Well, I wouldn’t say able standards for block trade levels people that are most afraid of the pub- there isn’t any information. Some of and real-time reporting requirements lic disclosure are not the people that these are so thinly traded that you are without first disrupting the market- are using this market. It’s the banks. never going to be able to have real- place. You see, finalizing any numer- What this is really about and what this time reporting. We understand that, ical determination of block trade sizes end-user debate that’s been going on is and there is not going to be a require- or setting real-time reporting require- about more than anything else is that ment on those. But there’s no reason to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:48 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.224 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4271 stop the real-time reporting where we user more money. The end user is all come communities combat food insecu- have the information and where that the customers that this bill is all rity by developing community food information will make these prices bet- about. projects that encourage healthy habits ter for the people that use it. If the gentleman really wants to help and self-sufficiency. These grants in- And this is the same issue with the the banks, maybe his amendment crease the self-reliance of low-income end users. They’re going to get a better ought to be in the Financial Services communities that have historically en- deal if we allow this disclosure. Why bill. But this is going to hurt our peo- countered difficulties in providing they’re fighting us is beyond me, un- ple that we, in this committee, work foods. Programs funded by Community less they’re in cahoots with the Wall for all the time. And I don’t think Food Projects Grants have been suc- Street banks. I’m not sure. Do people that’s a very good amendment. cessful in cities and towns. And, in think that the folks on Wall Street I ask for a ‘‘no’’ vote on the amend- fact, more than 550,000 Harris County aren’t making enough money? Is that ment. residents relied on the Supplemental what this is about? I don’t know. I yield back the balance of my time. Nutrition Assistance Program to buy Mr. GARRETT. I would appreciate if The Acting CHAIR. The question is food. the gentleman would not make the al- on the amendment offered by the gen- But one of the important aspects of legation that we make these applica- tleman from New Jersey (Mr. GAR- this is the urban garden. The People’s tions here because anyone is in cahoots RETT). Garden School Pilot Program will de- with Wall Street banks, such as you’ve The question was taken; and the Act- velop and run gardens in high-poverty just made. ing Chair announced that the ayes ap- schools. Teaching students about Mr. PETERSON. They are the people peared to have it. health and nutrition and increasing ac- that are against this. They were Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I de- cess to healthy foods are invaluable against it when we did it. So I just mand a recorded vote. benefits of schools where more than 50 don’t buy that the pension funds are The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to percent of the student body qualifies the ones that are concerned about this clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- for free or reduced-cost lunches. because the things that they’re con- ceedings on the amendment offered by I rise to encourage support for this cerned about are covered in the law, the gentleman from New Jersey will be particular part of the bill so that we and they’re being taken into account postponed. can continue to support urban gar- by Chairman Gensler and the people at AMENDMENT NO. 29 OFFERED BY MS. JACKSON dening. And I want to salute Veggie the CFTC as they develop these rules. LEE OF TEXAS Pals, a gardening program that does Mr. GARRETT. If the gentleman will Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I have just that. It finds patches of land wher- yield, I know I read through it quickly an amendment at the desk. ever it might be, and it makes sure because I was asked to move along The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will that we provide healthy food. things quickly at the end of the designate the amendment. This amendment would ensure that evening, but one of the documents that The text of the amendment is as fol- nothing in this legislation, nothing in I read was one of the comment letters. lows: this appropriation would prohibit the It was not from the Wall Street bank Page 80, after line 2, insert the following growth and continued expansion of this but was from the American Benefits (and make such technical and conforming very important concept of urban gar- Council, those very same pension bene- changes as may be appropriate): dening. The number of Americans who fits companies speaking about this. SEC. 747. None of the funds made available suffer from poverty and hunger is unac- They are the ones who are raising it. by this Act may be used in contravention of ceptable. So it is those end users. Those are the the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. b 0010 participants. Those people are rep- 2011 et seq.). resenting beneficiaries. They are the The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman Reducing or redirecting funding ones who are asking for this delay. It’s is recognized for 5 minutes. meant to increase food security and not the Wall Street banks that I’m Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. nutrition is simply not an option. Join making reference to. It’s the pension Chairman, I hope my colleagues will me in recognizing the value of urban funds. join me in recognizing the value of em- gardens. And thank you to the Veggie Mr. PETERSON. There are hundreds phasizing the importance of urban gar- Pals gardening program that has edu- of thousands of comments. I haven’t dening. My amendment would prohibit cated how many thousands of children read them all. I don’t know what they any of the funds made available by the and emphasized the value of good and all say. appropriations from being used in con- healthy food. Mr. GARRETT. We can supply you travention of the Food and Nutrition This program, Veggie Pals, urban with the ones. Act of 2008. gardening, educating people about nu- Mr. PETERSON. Well, I have end Forty-seven million American fami- trition, meal preparation, physical ac- users coming into my office arguing lies live in poverty that restricts their tivities, cookbooks, Olympics and oth- against their own interests. So I can’t access to healthy food. The Food and ers, promotes healthy behavior. figure it out. Nutrition Act of 2008 supports numer- I ask my colleagues to support this The Acting CHAIR. The time of the ous programs aimed at reducing hunger amendment. gentleman has expired. throughout the country. Seventeen Mr. Chair, I rise before you and my col- Mr. PETERSON. But all I’m saying is million children struggle with hunger leagues today to take the opportunity to ex- this is an unnecessary amendment. It’s every day, affecting their ability to plain my amendment to H.R. 2112, ‘‘Making in the statute. These things are cov- learn and develop in a country so full Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Develop- ered. It makes no sense to delay the en- of resources. It is unconscionable that ment, Food and Drug Administration, and Re- tire situation. You have maybe a few millions of children do not have enough lated Agencies Programs for the fiscal year things that are of concern, and they to eat. We cannot consider proposals ending September 30, 2012, and for other pur- are going to be taken care of. that would contradict existing legisla- poses.’’ My amendment would prohibit any of Mr. FARR. I move to strike the last tion aimed at improving food security, the funds made available by the appropria- word. such as the Food and Nutrition Act of tions from being used in contravention of the The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman 2008. Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. from California is recognized for 5 min- In my home State of Texas, where I 47 million American families live in poverty utes. represent the 18th Congressional Dis- that restricts their access to healthy food. The Mr. FARR. What Ranking Member trict, 17.4 percent of all households Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 supports nu- PETERSON is talking about is that this struggle with food security. Commu- merous programs aimed at reducing hunger is an ag bill that is to help agriculture, nity Food Projects Competitive Grants throughout the country. producers of agriculture. What this are a vital aspect of the Food and Nu- 17 million children struggle with hunger amendment does is hurt them. It sup- trition Act and must be preserved. every day, affecting their ability to learn and ports the banks by delaying trans- Community Food Projects Grants have develop. In a country so full of resources, it is parency. So it’s going to cost the end helped thousands of people in low-in- unconscionable that millions of children do not

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:23 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.227 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4272 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 have enough to eat. We cannot consider pro- The Clerk read as follows: And so at a time when we’re broke— posals that would contradict existing legislation At the end of the bill (before the short 42 cents of every dollar we spend is bor- aimed at improving food security, such as the title), insert the following: rowed money—this new regulation cre- Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. SEC. ll. None of the funds made available ates and references all of these new of- In my home state of Texas, where I rep- by this Act may be used to implement the fices, the Climate Change Program Of- resent the 18th Congressional District, 17.4 Departmental Regulation of the Department fice. It says they’ve got to develop a percent of all households struggle with food of Agriculture entitled ‘‘Policy Statement USDA climate change adaptation plan. on Climate Change Adaptation’’ (Depart- It references the USDA’s global change security. Community Food Project Competitive mental Regulation 1070–001 (June 3, 2011)). Grants are a vital aspect of the Food and Nu- task force. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman trition Act that must be preserved. In fact, if you look, after they re- Community Food Project grants have from Louisiana is recognized for 5 min- leased this new regulation, they issued helped thousands of people in low-income utes. $7.4 million to implement a bunch of communities combat food insecurity by devel- Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Chairman, this new grants that are being used to do oping community food projects that encourage amendment prevents any taxpayer things like study carbon credits. healthy habits and self-sufficiency. funds from being used to implement Well, again, that was all brought up These grants increase the self reliance of the Department of Agriculture’s new in cap-and-trade and rejected by Con- low income communities that have historically rule and regulation titled Policy State- gress. And yet here they come with a encountered difficulties in providing for their ment on Climate Change Adaptation. de facto, back-door attempt at another own food needs. Programs funded by commu- Mr. Chairman, we’ve had this debate cap-and-trade-type of program. We’ve got to stop this attack on our nity food project grants have been successful on cap-and-trade in the last Congress. job creators. We’ve got to stop, in this in cities and towns across America, and would In fact, there was a bipartisan coali- case, the attack that’s being proposed certainly make a difference in the 18th Con- tion of Members that voted and ulti- on our farmers. They actually are now gressional District. In December of 2010, more mately defeated the cap-and-trade pro- posal by President Obama brought in spending millions of dollars, the USDA than 550,000 Harris County residents relied on is, to study how farmers can grow crops the Supplemental Nutrition Access Program to the last Congress. And yet here we now have a new regulation that was just in 2050, based on what they think the buy food. climate will be under these new regula- Hunger and food insecurity have grave im- issued by the Department of Agri- tions. pacts on children. Students do not have the culture less than 2 weeks ago to imple- ment, in essence, a back-door attempt Look, our local weatherman can’t opportunity to succeed if they are hungry. The tell us what the weather’s going to be People’s Garden School Pilot program will de- to put a cap-and-trade program in place in the Department of Agri- this Saturday, within a 50 percent mar- velop and run gardens at high poverty gin of error. And yet the Department’s schools. Teaching students about health and culture. And if you’ll look at some of the de- spending millions of dollars to tell us nutrition and increasing access to healthy what the climate’s going to be in 39 foods are invaluable benefits at schools where tails laid out in this policy statement, this is a regulation that was just im- years to determine how our farmers more than 50 percent of the student body should be growing crops. This is ludi- qualifies for free or reduced cost lunches. plemented by the Department of Agri- culture. It gives new powers to the De- crous. We rejected it here in Congress. Community food project grants and other We shouldn’t be allowing these kinds of initiatives such as the People’s Garden Project partment to go into areas where right now we, as a Congress, have said we regulations to be implemented. And represent practical and long term solutions to hopefully this amendment will get don’t want the administration to be ending food insecurity in America. We must be adopted. going. committed to funding programs that encourage I yield back the balance of my time. self-sufficient food sources, highlight the im- In fact, if you’ll look at what agen- The Acting CHAIR. The question is portance of nutrition, and reach children at an cies like the EPA are doing in trying to on the amendment offered by the gen- early age. implement other forms of cap-and- tleman from Louisiana (Mr. SCALISE). The number of Americans who suffer from trade, global warming, carbon emis- The question was taken; and the Act- poverty and hunger is unacceptable. Reducing sion-type programs, we’ve been rolling ing Chair announced that the ayes ap- or redirecting funding meant to increase food those agencies back. We’ve been having peared to have it. security and nutrition is simply not an option. hearings that have showed how this is Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I demand a We must continue to fund programs like the not only bad policy but this will kill recorded vote. community food project grants and the Peo- jobs in America. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to ple’s Garden. And so if you look at some of the pro- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- It is the responsibility of each and every visions in this, the policy establishes a ceedings on the amendment offered by Member in this chamber to work for the well- USDA-wide directive to integrate cli- the gentleman from Louisiana will be being of our constituents and to ensure that mate change adaptation planning into postponed. the basic needs of constituents are met. I urge USDA programs, policies, and oper- AMENDMENT NO. 28 OFFERED BY MS. JACKSON my colleagues to think of those who are af- ations. LEE OF TEXAS fected by hunger in their districts and support Mr. Chairman, it further goes on, it Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. this amendment. actually gives new powers to the agen- Chairman, I have an amendment at the I yield back the balance of my time. cy. It says every single office shall desk. The Acting CHAIR. The question is identify for USDA’s Office of the Gen- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will on the amendment offered by the gen- eral Counsel areas where legal analysis designate the amendment. tlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON is needed to carry out actions identi- The text of the amendment is as fol- LEE). fied under this Department regulation. lows: The question was taken; and the Act- Now, what does that mean? Well, if Page 80, after line 2, insert the following: ing Chair announced that the noes ap- you just look at what these types of SEC. lll. None of the funds made avail- able by this Act may be used in contraven- peared to have it. policies and regulations are being used tion of section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. to do at EPA, what it does is give the Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote. authority for USDA lawyers to go and 1932(e)). The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to issue findings that can then be used The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- against our farmers, findings that will is recognized for 5 minutes. ceedings on the amendment offered by cost our farmers jobs, increase the Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. As I dis- the gentlewoman from Texas will be price of food. cuss my amendment, I want to indicate postponed. And don’t just look at what this pol- to my friends on the other side of the AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. SCALISE icy does. Look at what’s happening in aisle, for the life of me, I can’t under- Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Chairman, I have some of the other agencies where stand why you would oppose an amend- an amendment at the desk. they’re already trying to carry this ment that costs no funds and only em- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- out, and Congress has been trying to phasizes the importance of urban gar- port the amendment. roll them back. dening. There lies the ludicrousness of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:48 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JN7.107 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE June 15, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4273 the lack of collaboration and under- settlement. The President had re- programs should be appreciated, supported, standing when there are amendments quested some $40 million to provide and funded. that would help all of us. So I do ex- settlements for discrimination claims However, in this significant group of Amer- press my great disappointment that filed under the Equal Credit Oppor- ican farmers, it is important that we not over- you didn’t understand the amendment tunity Act. look the too often marginalized population of minority farmers. As many of you may know, and, rather than ask what the amend- b 0020 ment meant, you voted loudly ‘‘no.’’ the history of minority farmers and government That’s unfortunate for the American It is unfortunate that those resources programs is a long and tumultuous one. Mi- people. We do that all the time. apparently were not able to be in- nority farmers have faced years of institu- But I rise today to emphasize the im- cluded. tionalized discrimination when applying for portance of making sure that we imple- The USDA anticipates that 600 Federal Government funding. This is a fact ment the judgment that has already claims will need to be settled under that is discouraging for many minority farmers, previously been discussed that helps this action. The estimate of funding and quite frankly embarrassing for many gov- the unfortunate farmers that experi- needed to settle these 600 cases is based ernment institutions. enced proven discrimination at the De- on the average settlement cost for As a Senior Member of the House Judiciary partment of Agriculture and to credit claimants under other civil rights class Committee, I have been actively involved in Members on both sides of the aisle for action law suits, most notably the al- the fight to ensure that minority farmers re- recognizing it and recognizing the im- ready settled Pigford discrimination ceive justice for the many discriminations that portance of not infringing upon a judi- lawsuit. they have faced and a fair chance at achiev- cial decision, a settlement that could This request was only of $20 million. ing the American Dream. Too often African help a number of farmers in all cat- It is not in this bill. This amendment American, Latino, and Native American farm- egories that were acknowledged by does not address the fact that it’s not ers have been shortchanged on agricultural many Members of this body. in this bill; it simply says we are fair grants, loans, and programs. This injustice has I thank a number of my colleagues when we understand the issue. I hope prevented minority farmers from being as suc- who worked on these issues for a num- that we will have the opportunity to cessful as they could be. It has also prevented ber of years. They worked on it with understand the issue. The more farm- American society in general from reaping the great sincerity and, as well, they rec- ers we can have producing the good benefits of their labor. It is with this very sad- ognized that it is important for us to food that has made America great—the dening fact in mind that I propose the imme- continue to produce food, but, as well, bread basket of America—is the better diate distribution of funding designated for co- we need to ensure that all farmers, way to go. operatives whose primary focus is to provide small farmers and certainly minority So I hope my colleagues will support assistance to small, socially disadvantaged farmers, have the opportunity to en- this amendment that simply reinforces producers. gage in their trade. the importance of creating equal ac- By accelerating the disbursement of this My amendment would ensure that cess to resources so that we can funding, minority farmers and cooperatives the agricultural appropriations are ef- produce the food necessary for the supporting minority farmers will have earlier fectively and promptly made available American people. I showed just a mo- access to the resources that they need and as necessary through this process and, ment ago that of a healthy child and a deserve. The results of this funding—techno- as well, to work with cooperatives sup- military family. We need to make sure logical advances and agricultural sector porting small socially disadvantaged that all Americans have access to food, growth—will benefit not only farmers, but producers. and we should extinguish the concept American society as a whole. The benefits will The amendment would make the al- of food insecurity. We can do that by be evident on our local farms, in our neighbor- location of funds to cooperatives sup- helping the many different farmers and hood supermarkets, and in our national econ- porting the work of minority and so- small farmers that rely upon these omy. If we want our agricultural sector to cially disadvantaged farmers as pro- very important programs to help them grow, thrive, and compete, we must consider vided in section 310(b)(e) of the Consoli- produce the food for America. this amendment to make the distribution of dated Farm and Rural Development Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to these funds urgent and effective. The time has come for the United States to Act a priority. support this amendment. take a proactive role in upholding the stand- Again, this particular amendment re- I yield back the balance of my time. ards of equality and fairness in the agricultural quires no money. It just indicates that Mr. Chair, I rise before you and my col- sector. I believe it is of the utmost importance we should follow through on the provi- leagues today to take the opportunity to ex- that we make use of every available oppor- sions. However, this funding is vital to plain my amendment to H.R. 2112, ‘‘Making tunity to acknowledge the work of all Ameri- support the many farmers and their Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Develop- cans whose labor contributes to the health families that work tirelessly to make ment, Food and Drug Administration, and Re- and welfare of society. All agricultural workers, sure that other hardworking families lated Agencies Programs for the fiscal year minority farmers in particular, should be pro- ending September 30, 2012, and for other pur- have food to eat. It would be hard to vided the necessary assistance to ensure that poses.’’ My amendment would ensure that ag- deny the vital role that American the fruits of their labor can continue to fuel our ricultural appropriations are effectively and farmers play in our society. daily work. This is not just because the gov- It is also important that this signifi- promptly made available to minority farmers ernment has historically done such a poor job cant group of American farmers not be and cooperatives supporting small, socially providing equal and fair support to minority disadvantaged producers. overlooked, not be marginalized. And I farmers, but because it is the right thing to do. This amendment would make the allocation would, frankly, say that we support With this in mind I urge the adaptation of my of funds to cooperatives supporting the work their continued existence. They have a proposed amendment to H.R. 2112. Thank of minority and socially disadvantaged farmers long history, and I believe it is impor- you for your time and consideration in this im- as provided in Section 310B(e) of the Consoli- tant to do so. perative matter. As a senior member of the House Ju- dated Farm and Rural Development Act a pri- The Acting CHAIR. The question is diciary Committee, I remember the ority. I believe by considering cooperative de- on the amendment offered by the gen- long journey we took in order to ensure velopment grants for farmers for the fiscal tlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON that African American, Latino and Na- year 2012, we as a Congressional body have LEE). tive American farmers would not be already taken a step in the right direction. This The question was taken; and the Act- shortchanged of grants, loans, and pro- funding is vital to support the many farmers ing Chair announced that the noes ap- grams. This amendment simply seeks and their families that work tirelessly to make peared to have it. to reinforce that. sure that other hardworking American families Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Finally, I would make the point that have food to eat. It would be hard to deny the Chairman, I demand a recorded vote. I hope that we would have the oppor- vital role that American farmers play in our so- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to tunity to find the necessary collabora- ciety. The benefits of their labors are imme- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- tion again to settle claims of discrimi- diately visible in our schools’ cafeterias, our ceedings on the amendment offered by nation from those farmers who had not local grocery stores, and even on our dining the gentlewoman from Texas will be yet come under the particular recent room tables. American farmers and farming postponed.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:48 Jun 16, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN7.235 H15JNPT1 pwalker on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H4274 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 15, 2011 AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MS. HIRONO ment projects. I don’t think it is fair to And for people to get on this floor Ms. HIRONO. I have an amendment leave these local governments holding and constantly talk about the recovery at the desk. the bag while the Federal Government and the number of jobs, well, I want to The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- just walks away from these commit- submit just for the record the number port the amendment. ments. Even shutting down projects of of jobs that were saved in Florida and The Clerk read as follows: course costs money, and we can’t leave Georgia and other places because of the At the end of the bill (before the short them just halfway done on these Recovery Act. projects. How can we just walk away title), insert the following: f SEC. ll. For preventive measures author- from these projects before realizing the ized under the Watershed Protection and economic and environmental benefits HOUR OF MEETING Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) they were designed to deliver? and the Soil Conservation and Domestic Al- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask I urge my colleagues to support fund- unanimous consent that when the lotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590a et seq.), includ- ing for this important program. It af- ing research, engineering operations, meth- House adjourns today, it adjourn to ods of cultivation, the growing of vegetation, fects 40 States plus Pacific islands. meet at 9 a.m. today. I will submit for the RECORD a list of rehabilitation of existing structures, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there unfunded Federal commitments to au- changes in use of land, there is hereby appro- objection to the request of the gen- thorized watershed projects in so many priated, and the amount otherwise provided tleman from Georgia? of our States. by this Act for ‘‘Agricultural Programs—Ag- There was no objection. riculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- Payments’’ is reduced by, $3,000,000, to re- ance of my time. f main available until expended. The Acting CHAIR. The question is ADJOURNMENT The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman on the amendment offered by the gen- from Hawaii is recognized for 5 min- tlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO). Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I move utes. The question was taken; and the Act- that the House do now adjourn. Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chairman, I rise to ing Chair announced that the noes ap- The motion was agreed to; accord- speak in support of my amendment to peared to have it. ingly (at 12 o’clock and 28 minutes restore $3 million in funding for the Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chairman, I de- a.m.), under its previous order, the Watershed and Flood Protection pro- mand a recorded vote. House adjourned until today, Thurs- gram. Funding for this program was The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to day, June 16, 2011, at 9 a.m. clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- eliminated in fiscal year 2011, and no f funding is provided in this bill. ceedings on the amendment offered by My amendment provides $3 million the gentlewoman from Hawaii will be EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, for this program, just 10 percent of the postponed. ETC. $30 million provided in fiscal year 2010. Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive I am taking funding from the agri- move that the committee do now rise. communications were taken from the The motion was agreed to. culture buildings and facilities and Accordingly, the Committee rose; Speaker’s table and referred as follows: rental payments to offset the cost of and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. 1963. A letter from the Congressional Re- my amendment. Under my amendment, view Coordinator, Department of Agri- CONAWAY) having assumed the chair, the Natural Resources Conservation culture, transmitting the Department’s final Mr. DOLD, Acting Chair of the Com- Service, NRCS, would make the deter- rule — Importation of Swine Hides and mittee of the Whole House on the state Skins, Bird Trophies, and Ruminant Hides mination on where to direct the funds. of the Union, reported that that Com- The Watershed and Flood Control and Skins; Technical Amendment [Docket mittee, having had under consideration No.: APHIS-2006-0113] (RIN: 0579-AC11) re- Program provides for cooperation be- the bill (H.R. 2112) making appropria- ceived May 23, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. tween the Federal Government, States, tions for Agriculture, Rural Develop- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- and localities to prevent erosion, flood ment, Food and Drug Administration, culture. water, and sediment damage. This is and Related Agencies programs for the 1964. A letter from the Congressional Re- view Coordinator, Department of Agri- also a vital program to further the de- fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, velopment, utilization, and disposal of culture, transmitting the Department’s final and for other purposes, had come to no rule — Brucellosis in Swine; Add Texas to water. It also helps to further the con- resolution thereon. servation and utilization of land and List of Validated Brucellosis-Free States f [Docket No.: APHIS-2011-0005] received May authorized watersheds. 23, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to Watershed improvements under this SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT the Committee on Agriculture. program are cost-shared between the (Ms. BROWN of Florida asked and 1965. A letter from the Under Secretary, Federal Government and local govern- was given permission to address the Department of Defense, transmitting the De- ments. I think that’s a good thing. The House for 1 minute and to revise and partment’s Annual Report for FY 2010 re- program is being zeroed out despite the extend her remarks.) garding the training, and its associated ex- fact that we have an unfunded Federal Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, penses, of U.S. Special Operations Forces commitment of more than $1 billion for (SOF) with friendly foreign forces, pursuant I listened with great interest last night to 10 U.S.C. 2011; to the Committee on Armed 297 cost-shared projects in 39 States, on the debate pertaining to cutting Services. American Samoa, and the Common- funds for children and women with the 1966. A letter from the Under Secretary, wealth of the Northern Mariana Is- Department of Agriculture. And I’m Department of Defense, transmitting the De- lands. These projects would help to re- greatly disturbed by the assertion that partment’s Evaluation of the TRICARE Pro- duce flood damage in 320 communities, we should do that and cut programs for gram for Fiscal Year 2011, pursuant to 10 improve agriculture water supply in 80 senior citizens and the disabled because U.S.C. 1073 note; to the Committee on Armed communities, and improve water qual- of the budgetary problems that we’re Services. ity in 132 streams. 1967. A letter from the Secretary, Army, having here in Washington. Department of Defense, transmitting a letter Clearly, the national reach of this Yes, we’re having problems; but regarding a directed quantity reduction; to program is apparent from the numbers those problems did not start 18 months the Committee on Armed Services. I just cited. In fact, I have a list of the ago. Those problems have been going 1968. A letter from the Under Secretary, 41 States and the Pacific islands that on for a very long time. And we’re Department of Defense, transmitting a letter have been helped by this program, in- making decisions. And when we voted— on the approved retirement of Lieutenant cluding Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, New not I—in December to give billionaires General Donald C. Wurster, United States Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas— and millionaires $780 billion and then Air Force, and his advancement on the re- the list goes on. in June and April you say you don’t tired list in the grade of lieutenant general; to the Committee on Armed Services. States and the local governments have money for pension checks and you 1969. A letter from the Under Secretary, have worked together with NRCS, and don’t have money for senior citizens Department of Defense, transmitting a letter they put up their own funds to con- and you don’t have money for children on the approved retirement of Lieutenant struct flood control and water develop- and babies, it’s a mispriority. General John T. Sheridan, United States Air

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