[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 87 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1997

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. BILL BARRETT

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 1996

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3603) making 
     appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and 
     Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 1997, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of 
this amendment, which would emphasize the need for farmers and 
processors affected by the Karnal bunt quarantine to know exactly how 
the Federal Government intends to provide compensation and assistance.
  This amendment is for the benefit of those who are currently subject 
to special restrictions as a result of Karnal bunt infestation, but 
have not yet been informed what action the Government plans to take to 
compensate them. While USDA already has taken steps to offset costs to 
producers in many areas, there are areas where USDA has not yet taken 
that action and those producers are anxiously awaiting this important 
information. It is reasonable to expect the Government, which imposes 
the quarantine and restrictions on marketing wheat in the areas 
afflicted, to also provide a plan for compensation in a timely matter 
to all affected.
  USDA has been aggressive in identifying and taking steps to control 
and eradicate Karnal bunt. This has been critical in protecting 
producers in areas not afflicted with Karnal bunt as well as in 
preserving our export markets. For this, I commend USDA's efforts.
  Nevertheless, I understand the concerns of producers and processors 
in areas where USDA's job is not finished and I urge my colleagues join 
me in support of this sense of Congress.

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