[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E1687]]


                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______


                            HON. DAVID MINGE

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 1995
  Mr. MINGE. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, August 1, the Secretary of 
Agriculture visited the Second Congressional district, which I 
represent. I felt obligated to accompany the Secretary because I had 
urged him to come to my district and because the success of agriculture 
is critical to the economy of Minnesota. Unfortunately, this caused me 
to miss Tuesday's vote on the floor of the House of Representatives 
regarding lifting the arms embargo in Bosnia.
  Secretary Glickman's visit to Minnesota was worthwhile. He had the 
opportunity to attend Farmfest 95, one of the premier agricultural 
trade shows in the upper Midwest. Farmers appreciated the opportunity 
to offer him their views on federal farm policy and the Secretary 
appreciated the opportunity to better understand farming in Minnesota. 
En route to FarmFest, Secretary Glickman toured Heartland Corn Products 
Cooperative at Winthrop. Earlier, he had visited Phoenix Composites in 
St. Peter, which turns soybeans into a marble-like board. I appreciated 
the opportunity to educate the Secretary on Minnesota's emerging 
ethanol industry, the processing of soybeans for new uses and 
Minnesota's strong cooperative movement. Value-added production holds 
great promise for increasing income in rural areas. I do not take 
missing a vote lightly, but I felt it was important to fulfill my 
commitment to farmers and rural residents by hosting the Secretary of 
Agriculture on his tour of Minnesota's Second District.


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