[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2295]]
                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN MORRISON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 1998

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, over Labor Day weekend, John Morrison died 
suddenly of an apparent heart attack at his home in Dubberly, 
Louisiana. Across the country, his family, friends, and colleagues were 
shocked by the news. His leadership and vision for all farmers will be 
greatly missed. For the past six years, John had been the Executive 
Director of the National Country Poultry Growers. He had founded the 
organization due to his own experiences as a contract grower facing the 
unfairness of his contract and the control exerted by the large poultry 
companies.
  It was the commitment and leadership that John and other family farm 
organizations had that prompted me to sponsor H.R. 2738--The Family 
Farmer Cooperative Marketing Amendments Act. Other colleagues have 
joined me as co-sponsors. On one of the last days of the session nearly 
a year ago, I met with representatives of the NCPGA and national allies 
that are working together to increase support for this legislation in 
the countryside. That meeting was two days after the momentous defeat 
of fast-track legislation.
  I remain committed to working for passage of this legislation in the 
next Congress. It is an important step towards restoring social and 
economic justice to an entire group of farm families; those who are 
growing and marketing their commodities; whether poultry, grain, hogs, 
or livestock under the excessive control of major corporations. This 
legislation will enable farmers in their cooperative associations to 
negotiate for a fair contract.

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