[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 14, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H1570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        UMATILLA COUNTY FARMERS

  (Mr. WALDEN of Oregon asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, the failure of Congress to 
reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination 
Act is a breach of promise to the more than 600 forested counties 
across America and 4,400 school districts.
  In Umatilla County, Oregon, it is the number one food producing 
county in the State. For them, a well-maintained road system is 
critical to ensuring family farmers can compete in this global market. 
With more than 340 bridges and, a State high, 1,650 miles of road, 
Umatilla County faces a significant infrastructure maintenance backlog 
and challenge.
  County Commissioner Dennis Doherty says, ``American farms are 
dependent on a farm-to-market road system and loss of those funds will 
cripple our local road system.''
  Tammy Dennee, executive director of the Oregon Wheat Growers League 
said, ``Global competition starts locally. Being the number one wheat 
producing county in the State, it is vital to farmers here that the 
road system is dependable.''
  My colleagues, Congress must keep faith with these timbered counties 
and pass H.R. 17. Our future depends on it, our credibility depends on 
it, and time is running out.

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