[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2854, FEDERAL AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT AND 
                           REFORM ACT OF 1996

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                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 28, 1996

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference 
report for H.R. 2854, the ``Agricultural Market Transition Act.'' This 
measure reforms numerous laws affecting the business of farmers, 
including dairy farmers. In modifying laws that pertain to dairy 
farmers, H.R. 2854 has the effect of amending the Food Drug and 
Cosmetic Act [FFDCA] as it pertains to standards of identity and 
nutrition labeling requirements for fluid milk under milk marketing 
orders. As Chairman of the Committee on Commerce Subcommittee on Health 
and Environment, I would like to note the jurisdictional interest of 
both the full Committee and my Subcommittee in these modifications of 
our country's dairy program.
  Portions of the language in the conference report regarding dairy 
programs supersede certain provisions in the FFDCA by making them 
inapplicable in some circumstances. The FFDCA is a statute within the 
exclusive jurisdiction of the Committee on Commerce. Therefore, the 
amendment to the FFDCA in the conference report for H.R. 2854 is also 
within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee. In 
accordance with rule X of the rules of the House, I look forward to 
continued exercise of our legislative jurisdiction in this area.

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