[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 125 (Friday, September 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES ON H.R. 4101, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, 
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  1999

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                               speech of

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 1998

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of American farmers. 
It is undeniable that there is an emergency facing the farming 
communities across the country. Natural disasters, global oversupply, 
diminished overseas demand, and low prices have combined to create this 
emergency.
  I am a strong supporter of maintaining a balanced budget, but 
emergency designation for this additional spending is fully justified. 
It is a true emergency when our agriculture base is in danger of 
collapsing. This funding is an investment in our future prosperity and 
it is essential that it be delivered quickly.
  This funding will not be a permanent solution, nor perhaps will it be 
nearly enough to adequately address the growing crisis. We must do much 
more to provide farmers and farming communities a safety net that 
works. Now, however, we have the opportunity to take immediate steps to 
address an immediate emergency.
  I urge my colleagues to support this instruction and to support 
America's farmers.

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