[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    AGRICULTURE IN WASHINGTON STATE

  Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, agriculture is a cornerstone of Washington 
State's economy. Washington State farmers produce over $5.8 billion 
worth of agriculture products, employ more that 100,000 people, and 
export nearly a quarter of all their goods to international markets. 
Without a doubt, Agriculture is Washington's No. 1 industry.
  As I travel around the State I have listened closely to the comments, 
suggestions, and concerns of our State's agriculture community. Farmers 
and ranchers in Washington have without exception told me they want a 
smaller and less intrusive Government; a Government that lets farmers, 
ranchers, and local communities make decisions for themselves; and most 
importantly, a Government that will step up to the plate and fight for 
issues that affect their lives. As Washington's senior Senator, I plan 
to work for just that.
  The web of Federal practices, laws and regulations governing 
agriculture in the United States should offer our farmers consistency, 
flexibility and market access for their goods. Farmers view the Federal 
Government, like the weather and seasons, as an outside force to be 
dealt with. I want to ensure that the Federal Government is a partner 
with agriculture, instead of an east-coast overseer.
  This year, the wheat, barley, canola, pea and lentil, potato, hops, 
sweet cherry, and apple associations, as well as countless other 
growers' organizations, have visited me in Washington, DC. From our 
discussions, I have compiled a list of broad agriculture priorities on 
which I will focus in the 105th Congress.
  I have always had, and will retain, open channels of communication 
with my State's agriculture communities. Firsthand knowledge of the 
situations and problems that farmers and growers face is, for me, an 
invaluable tool as I work on issues that impact their way of life. So, 
I intend to meet with farmers, ranchers, irrigators, processors, 
shippers, and other agricultural interests during the April recess to 
discuss these matters.
  For 3 days I will tour eastern Washington to discuss private property 
rights, tax reform, salmon recovery issues, agriculture research, 
transportation issues, the Endangered Species Act, trade policies, 
regulatory relief, the future of the Hanford reach and the reform of 
immigration policies important to the agricultural communities 
throughout Washington State.
  During my visits to Yakima, Spokane, and the tri-cities, I will 
discuss my top 10 priorities for agriculture, refine them, and solicit 
feedback from the various agriculture interests that are affected by a 
wide range of intrusive Federal policies. My visit to eastern 
Washington will give me the opportunity to continue discussions already 
begun with Washington State's farmers, explain my intentions, and 
reaffirm my commitment to the agriculture community.
  To reiterate, the agriculture community's interests are Washington 
State's interests--Washington's economic health and job base are 
greatly affected by the success or failure in this sector of our 
economy. I will therefore pursue my 10 priorities, which I believe will 
help build a stronger future for Washington State.
  Two years ago agriculture communities in eastern Washington gave me 
the opportunity to work for them, represent their interests, and fight 
against policies that threaten their livelihood. As their Senator, I 
will be working aggressively to promote their interests in the 105th 
Congress.
  Mr. President, I take this occasion to thank my friend and colleague 
from Hawaii who has been here longer than I have and has waited 
patiently for recognition, allowing my short remarks to precede his 
longer ones. He is a kind and thoughtful gentlemen.
  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I thank my colleague for his appreciation 
and wish him well during this break.
  (The remarks of Mr. Akaka pertaining to the introduction of S. 490 
are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills 
and Joint Resolutions.'')

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