Larry Combest

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran), a very active and significant member of this committee.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Ewing), the chairman of the subcommittee where this process all started back a year and a half ago.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), a very valued member of our committee.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, when we started off on this endeavor, the idea was to listen to what farmers said was a problem in the current crop insurance program and to do everything we could to try to make for certain that we could correct as much of that as possible within the constraints that we had. As always is the case, when there is a pot of money, it becomes very tempting to try to divvy that up in a variety of ways. The conference that was concluded yesterday was concluded in 2 hours and 45 minutes. Nine members of the Senate, nine members of the House and all 18 Members of that conference committee signed that report. I think it does two things. Number one, I think it shows the significance of what this bill is doing. But I also think that it shows the significance of the amount of bipartisan effort that went into this bill; and as much as anything, it shows how well the staff of the House committee, both minority and majority, worked very closely together on this throughout the entire process and their work with the Senate staff and members of the Senate, and having us to a point that something of this magnitude could be concluded in such a short period of time. Without the work that has gone on literally for weeks, many, many late hours by the staff, both the House and the Senate, majority and minority, this would have not been possible. There is no way that I can thank them enough for those long hours that they put in in creating this product that I think is going to have a significant bearing on the future of American agriculture. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time. Again, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), my friend and my neighbor there, for all the good work and the efforts that have gone into this, and, again, to the staff on the minority side for the efforts and for their work. If I might just take a moment, Mr. Speaker, to, not only talk about the significance of this bill, but the significance of what happened in the House yesterday. One of the glaring concerns that agriculture has faced over the last 3 years has been a concern about the ability or inability to expand markets. While I recognize and appreciate the deep-held feelings of those people who were opposed to the granting of permanent normal trade relations with China, I think it was one of the most significant votes that we could take in this House on, not only what is good for America, but what is good for our farmers when we have 1.3 billion people, the largest market in the world, that is now opening up to American production. All of the groups that have come forward and have talked about the amount of increase and income for their producers and the amount of increase in the price of hogs or cattle, the number of exports that will become available to us, it was really, in my opinion, a no choice, that we have now made ourselves available to a market that everyone else in the world would have taken advantage of. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm) in every one of the field hearings that we held across the country, not only asked the panel, but he asked the members in the audience, and this has been several thousand over 10 hearings, their position on providing PNTR. In all of those hearings, total combined, well over 90 percent of the people indicated that they supported that activity. I think that shows the kind of recognition and support that American agriculture has, but I think it also shows the understanding that people have, number one, about what a great trade agreement that was, and number two, about its impact on agriculture. It was, I think, a very thoughtful question that my colleague asked and carried through that, through the entire hearing process, and I think, continued to focus on it in its significance. It also, I think, gave us a recognition of the amount of support that was out there that otherwise would not have been done. So I think, as was stated earlier, the last 2 days have been extremely positive days for American agriculture. I was glad to be a part of it and glad to be a part of it on a team that works so bipartisan.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the conference report to accompany H.R. 2559 just passed.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4444, a bill that will grant permanent normal trade relations to China. This agreement is a tool U.S. farmers and ranchers can use to their great benefit. China represents an agriculture market that is vital to the long-term success of American farmers and ranchers. Agriculture trade with China can strengthen development of private enterprise in that country and bring China more fully into world trade membership. The economic benefits of this agreement for U.S. agriculture are clear. China's participation in the WTO will result in a least $2 billion per year in additional U.S. agricultural exports by 2005. More than 80 U.S. agricultural groups support extending permanent normal trade relations to China. This is what a few of them have to say about the benefits of the U.S.-China agreement. The U.S. wheat growers say that PNTR with China represents a potential 10% increase in U.S. wheat exports. U.S. pork producers believe that China PNTR could pave the way for an increase in the value of hogs by $5 per head. Poultry producers say that because China is already the largest U.S. export market for poultry ($350 million in 1999), under PNTR, it could become a $1 billion market in a few years. Cattle producers believe that a vote against China PNTR is a vote against them. They expect to almost triple beef exports to China by 2005. U.S. corn growers believe they have the opportunity to immediately triple their 5-year average of corn exports to China with acceptance of permanent normal trade relations. Some who oppose normal trade relations with China will say that China has an agricultural glut and will never buy U.S. agricultural products. That is not true according to USDA's Economic Research Service. They say that China's accession to the WTO means that U.S. farmers and ranchers can sell an additional $1.6 billion worth of staple commodities by 2005. On top of that, $400 million of U.S. fruits, vegetables, and animal products can be sold by 2005 with China's entry to the WTO. That's $2 billion more of agricultural exports by 2005. Still others argue that China is self-sufficient in agricultural production, that it produces enough to feed its own people and it does not need U.S. commodities. The trade numbers do not reflect that at all. According to the United Nations statistics, during the 6-year period ending in 1998, China was a net importer of agriculture products every year. During this period, China's average trade deficit was $5.5 billion for agricultural products. If fish and forestry are included with other agricultural products, the deficit goes up to $6.9 billion. The Worldwatch Institute Chairman Lester Brown says that China's water supplies in its grain-producing areas are falling at a high rate. He sees massive grain imports and growing dependence on U.S. grain. China imports large amounts of U.S. agriculture commodities right now, some through Hong Kong ($2.5 billion in 1999 of agricultural, fish and forestry products). As the diets of the Chinese improve, there will be more demand for high quality agriculture products and valued added food products. This is what U.S. farmers and the food industry can provide to Chinese consumers. China has access to the U.S. market right now. China will become a member of the WTO and after its accession will still have access to the U.S. market. The vote on normal trade relations with China will decide whether U.S. agriculture will have improved access to the Chinese market or will cede that market to the competitors of U.S. agriculture. Without approval of H.R. 4444, or agricultural competitors around the world will gain the benefit of the agreement negotiated by the United States with China and our farmers and ranchers will not. We cannot allow that to happen. Without approval of H.R. 4444, no enforcement mechanisms will be available and the U.S. will not be able to use WTO dispute settlement provisions, a critical weapon to ensure U.S. trading rights. The ability to enforce tariff rate quotas will be undermined. The U.S. could not challenge Chinese export or domestic subsidies that hurt U.S. exports in other markets. We could not enforce the benefits of the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement that was negotiated with the Chinese and is important to U.S. citrus, wheat and meat producers. Additionally, the special safeguard provisions, to protect against import surges, negotiated by the U.S. would not be available. The economic case for supporting permanent normal trade relations with China has been made, especially for U.S. agriculture. It is crystal clear; we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4444. A vote for this bill is a vote of support for United States farmers and ranchers.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, the vote on permanent normal trade relations with China may be one of the most important votes that we will cast in years. China represents an agricultural market that is vital to the long- term success of American farmers and ranchers. Agriculture trade with China can strengthen development of private enterprise in this country and bring China more fully into the world trade membership. We intend to work for that goal and urge all of U.S. agriculture to join with us. China's participation in the WTO will result in at least $2 billion per year in additional U.S. exports within the next 5 years. That is just U.S. agricultural exports. By 2005, the largest increases in the annual value of China's net agricultural imports are likely to be $587 million for corn, $543 million for wheat, and $359 million for cotton. According to the Economic Research Service, net farm income would be higher by $1.7 billion in 2005 and higher by an average of $1.1 billion over the years 2000 to 2009 for each year. Listen to what agricultural groups are saying about China PNTR. The U.S. wheat growers say that PNTR represents a potential 10 percent increase in U.S. wheat exports. The U.S. pork producers believe that China PNTR will pave the way for an increased value in hogs by $5 a head. Poultry producers say that because China is already the largest export market for poultry, $350 million in 1999, under PNTR it can become a $1 billion market in just a few years. Cattle producers believe that a vote against PNTR is a vote against them. They expect to almost triple beef export to China by the year 2005. Corn growers believe that they have an opportunity to immediately triple their 5-year average of corn exports to China with acceptance to PNTR. Some who oppose PNTR for China will weigh that China is an agricultural glut and will never buy U.S. commodities. That is not true according to USDA's Economic Research Service. They say that China's accession to the WTO means that U.S. farmers and ranchers can sell an additional $1.6 billion worth of agricultural products in 5 years. On top of that, $400 million of U.S. fruits, vegetables, and animal products can be sold by 2005 upon China's entry into the WTO. That is $2 billion more of agricultural exports in 5 years. This view is supported by the widespread support among U.S. agricultural commodity groups for China PNTR. Still, others argue that China is self-sufficient in agriculture production and that it produces enough to feed its own people and does not need U.S. wheat or corn or any commodity. But listen to what the Worldwatch Institute Chairman Lester Brown said. He said that China's water supplies in its grain-producing areas are falling at a high rate. He sees massive grain imports and growing dependence on U.S. grain. The reality is that no one can predict the future. China imports large amounts of U.S. agricultural commodities right now, some through Hong Kong, $2.5 billion in 1999 of agriculture, fish, and forestry products. Greater access to Chinese markets means greater opportunities for U.S. high-quality agriculture products. As the diets of the Chinese improve, there will be more demand for high-quality agricultural products and value-added food products. This is what U.S. farmers and the food industry can provide to Chinese consumers. It must be remembered that China has access to the U.S. market right now. China will become a member of WTO; and after its accession to the WTO, it will still have access to the market. The vote for PNTR will decide whether U.S. agriculture will have improved access to Chinese markets or that we will see that market to the competitors of U.S. agriculture. We have all heard the argument that PNTR is not necessary and that if Congress rejects China PNTR that U.S. exporters still will attain the benefits of China's WTO accession. But the General Accounting Office says that the full benefits of the November 1999 agreement negotiated by the U.S. will not be available unless Congress adopts China PNTR. Tariff concessions will be available, but there will be no way to enforce these. No enforcement mechanisms will be available, and the U.S. will not be able to use WTO dispute settlement provisions. The WTO dispute settlement is a critical weapon to ensure U.S. trading rights. The ability to enforce the tariff rate quotas will be undermined. The U.S. could not challenge Chinese export or domestic subsidies that hurt U.S. exports in third countries. We could not enforce the benefits of the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement that was negotiated with the Chinese and is so important to U.S. citrus, wheat, and meat products. Additionally, the special safeguards provision to protect against import surges negotiated by the U.S. would not be available. Unless Congress grants China PNTR, there will be no way to ensure that tariff and access concessions will be available to U.S. agricultural exporters. WTO dispute settlement provision will not be available to the U.S. Those who are concerned about making sure China keeps its part of the bargain should support PNTR. Without WTO dispute settlement provisions, any ability to ensure Chinese compliance is severely weakened. According to a May 11, 2000 article in the Washington Post many of China's dissidents back China's accession into the WTO. This is what they are saying: Bao Tong, one of China's most prominent dissidents, says that Congress should pass China PNTR. Mr. Bao believes that China should be included in as many international regimes as possible so that it must adhere to these international standards. Referring to congressional passage of PNTR, Mr. Bao says, ``It is obvious this is a good thing for China.'' He goes on to say . . . ``I appreciate the efforts of friends and colleagues to help our human rights situation, but it doesn't make sense to use trade as a lever. It just doesn't work.'' Dai Qing, perhaps China's most prominent environmentalist and independent political thinker, says ``All of the fights-- for a better environment, labor rights and human rights-- these fights we will fight in China tomorrow. But first we must break the monopoly of the state. To do that, we need a freer market and the competition mandated by the WTO.'' According to Ms. Dai, ``One of the main economic and political problems in China today is our monopoly system, a monopoly on power and business monopolies. Both elements are mutually reinforcing. The WTO rules would naturally encourage competition and that's bad for both monopolies. Zhou Litai, one of China's most prominent labor lawyers and represents dozens of maimed workers in Shenzhen, says, ``American consumers are a main catalyst for better worker rights in China. They are the ones who pressure Nike and Reebok to improve working conditions at Hong Kong and Taiwan- run factories here. If Nike and Reebok go--and they could very well (if the trade status) is rejected--this pressure evaporates. This is obvious.'' Mr. Speaker, there will be irreparable damage done to American agriculture if Congress does not pass PNTR.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record a clarification of my vote during final passage of H.R. 701, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act. Mr. Speaker, during final passage, I was gathering together Members of the House Agriculture Committee to catch a flight to Idaho for a committee field hearing. I mistakenly voted ``yea'' when I intended to vote ``no'' on final passage. Let me clearly state for the record my opposition to H.R. 701 is due to the concerns I have over its impact on private property rights, federal budgeting, and the troubling shift in policy to acquire more federal land instead of properly maintaining what the United States government already owns. During consideration of H.R. 701, I supported numerous amendments that sought to remedy these concerns and improve the bill. Unfortunately, the measure in its final form was still not a bill that I could support and is why I intended to vote ``no'' on passage. I would ask that this statement follow debate on H.R. 701 in the permanent Congressional Record. Again, I regret this error and appreciate the opportunity for clarification.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, today I join West Texas A & M University and the West Texas community on congratulating the West Texas A & M men's bowling team for striking gold in the 2000 Intercollegiate Bowling Championship. Their triumph on April 29 marks the first time that the Buffs have brought home the national title, an accomplishment that is truly deserving of recognition and praise. The West Texas men's bowling program has been built upon a firm foundation of hard work and sportsmanship. The program, which has produced four former Professional Bowlers Association Tour players, has been an esteemed runner-up in six previous national tournaments. This hard-fought victory catapults the bowling program onto a new level of national recognition. The six men who claimed the national crown displayed what can be accomplished when West Texas determination and teamwork get rolling. It is with pride that I recognize the members of the West Texas A & M men's bowling team and their coaches for this accomplishment, as well as the faculty and fans that led them down victory lane. Thanks to their tremendous efforts, Canyon, Texas is now home to the 2000 Men's Intercollegiate Bowling Champions. I wholeheartedly extend my congratulations to the West Texas A & M Buffs for bringing home a national bowling title.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, today I commend Mr. David Rau for his tremendous contributions to educate children and improve our community. On May 9, 2000, SAM's National Wholesale Food Club awarded him with the honor of being their ``Teacher of the Year.'' ``Teacher of the Year'' is the highest honor that SAM's can present to an American educator. Nearly 3,000 teachers are honored nationwide every year. Each teacher receives an educational grant in the amount of $500, for which he or she can designate how the funds will be spent. Since 1996, more than $5.1 million in education grants have been given by SAM's to schools across the country. Each Wal-Mart store, SAM's Wholesale Club, Distribution Center and Transportation Office is allowed one winner. The Amarillo SAM's Club selected Mr. Rau from the Amarillo school district applicants, and the national headquarters named their finalists from these selected teachers. As a middle school teacher at St. Andrews Episcopal School in Amarillo, Texas, Mr. Rau's motivation has inspired and encouraged students to pursue their dreams over the years. He is the kind of teacher who makes learning fun and exciting. He sets his students on a path for their future and steers them in a positive direction. I commend Mr. Rau for his dedication to providing the best possible education each child can get and congratulate him on being the ``Teacher of the Year.''

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Lubbock Avalanche- Journal newspaper in Lubbock, Texas in celebration of their 100 year anniversary of publication on the South Plains. The A-J has served the people of the South Plains for an entire century, longer even than the official town of Lubbock itself, which was incorporated in 1909. Over the years, like its home, the paper has grown tremendously. The A-J now boasts an impressive number of over 64,000 subscriptions in Lubbock and the surrounding area. Without fail, the A-J has printed the latest news every day and has been instrumental in helping our town grow from a rural, rustic town into the thriving city it is today. The A-J has also helped shape the history on the South Plains by providing essential information to our community. With the advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, the A-J online is now able to connect people from all over the world. Current, former and future Lubbockites are just a mouse-click away from getting the latest information on what's happening on the South Plains. The A-J has helped build a bridge of communication on the South Plains and has made a century's worth of friendships. I extend my gratitude to all involved in its successful production--from the publisher and editors to the printing press operators and paper couriers. Your hard work and dedication has made a significant contribution to our community. Best wishes for at least another century of continued and devoted services.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, today, I congratulate a young lady from the 19th District of Texas who has earned national recognition for her outstanding volunteer service. Miss Brittany Heath, a 13-year-old student from Lubbock, has been named one of Texas' top two youth volunteers for the year 2000 in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, a national initiative honoring young people for exemplary acts of service. Brittany, an eighth grade student at Evans Junior High School, initiated a chapter of ``Suitcase for Kids'' which collects, cleans, and distributes used suitcases to children in foster care. During her program's first year, more than 400 suitcases were given to children within the community. The Lubbock Children's Protective Services program and the Community Partnership Program Sponsored Brittany by providing a storage facility for donations. Brittany set up a voice mailbox for donor calls, designed business cards, composed a brochure, and contacted the local newspaper. During the first two days of operation, more than 100 messages were received from individuals offering donations and assistance. Community support has been overwhelming, and Brittany plans to expand ``Suitcases for Kids'' to other counties around Luddock. She says as long as children are in foster care, there will be a need for this program. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards was created by The Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to encourage youth volunteers and emphasize the importance and value of their contributions. Brittany was nominated by Evans Junior High School and selected from more than 20,000 high school and middle school students. She has received $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. This program is the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service. At a time when our nation has seen a lack of community involvement from our youth and violence in our schools, it is good to be reminded that many young people are actively contributing to our society and working to make a difference where they live. We can learn a great deal from Brittany's exceptional act of volunteerism. We should all reflect upon how we, as individuals, can work together in our own communities to improve the lives of others and establish a brighter tomorrow.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, today I commend the National Association of Letter Carriers for their outstanding efforts to help those who are hungry in communities across the nation. On May 13, 2000, local branches of the Letter Carriers, along with the United Way and the United States Postal Service, will kick off their annual food drive to collect non-perishable food and other essential items for families in need. Residents of Amarillo, Canyon, Hereford, Dumas and Tulia, Texas will be asked to place non-perishable food items, paper products or hygiene items by their mailboxes. The letter carriers will pick these items up on May 13th and deliver them to the High Plains Food Bank. The donations received through this food drive will help fill the need for food distribution throughout the summer months. This food drive is a worthwhile and important project, and has been extremely helpful to a large number of families over the years. In fact, 83,000 pounds of food were collected last year from postal routes across the Panhandle and sent to the High Plains Food Bank, currently serving over 5,200 families each month. The goal this year is to raise over 90,000 pounds of food. I am confident that our community will rise to meet this challenge. The Amarillo branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers is deserving of our full support and I praise them for their work in the fight against hunger. Together, with such individual acts of generosity, we can help stop the growing problem of hunger on the High Plains.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 2559) to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to strengthen the safety net for agricultural producers by providing greater access to more affordable risk management tools and improved protection from production and income loss, to improve the efficiency and integrity of the Federal crop insurance program, and for other purposes, with a Senate amendment thereto, disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to the conference asked by the Senate.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome and honor the Reverend Elizabeth Sisco, who graciously offered today's morning prayer. Reverend Sisco is a remarkable pastor and civic leader who has touched the lives of many in the West Texas community. Reverend Sisco serves at Christ United Methodist Church in Levelland, Texas, where she focuses on empowering her congregation. Even before Reverend Sisco went to seminary, she took an extraordinarily active role in her church and worked to raise thousands of dollars to aid the poor in Texas. A proud wife, mother, and grandmother, she also served her community on the Lubbock Independent School Board. Reverend Sisco began studying theology with the intention of gaining more church responsibility for the lay people of her church. She was called to the clergy when she discovered that she could change lives with her keen understanding of theology and her ability to draw individuals together. Reverend Sisco has certainly changed lives as a mediator, a confidant, and respected community figure. I thank her for the words she offered this morning and her gift of service to our region.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Leonel Vela, an individual who has contributed tremendously to the improvement of public health and wellness throughout Texas. Dr. Vela has served in many capacities at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock and has significantly advanced health education and research. On March 1, he will complete his work at Texas Tech and begin working with the University of Texas Health Science Center in Harlingen. Dr. Vela will be greatly missed, but his investments at Texas Tech and throughout the state will continue for years to come. Dr. Vela has dedicated his career to public health in order to improve the lives of individuals who do not have access to proper care. He grew up in Texas; his parents were migrant farm workers. Dr. Vela earned a bachelor's degree in microbiology and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Standford University. At the Baylor College of Medicine, he earned his doctorate of medicine and later received his master's in public health from Harvard University. Dr. Vela is married to Alicia and has four children. Through his accomplishments and research, Dr. Vela has proven to be an expert in many areas such as diabetes prevention and treatment, migrant health and wellness, border health care, telemedicine, and women's health issues. He has written a variety of medical publications and made presentations throughout the state on various health topics. In addition, Dr. Vela has actively led in significant public health activities and initiatives. He directed the public health response to the Ebola Reston outbreak in Texas, co-founded the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Task Force, developed Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) in South Texas, and enacted the response to the Dengue Fever outbreak in South Texas. Dr. Vela also supervised the first regional birth defects registry program in Texas, founded the telemedicine mobile unit project to take health care services to rural communities in South Texas, and spearheaded the establishment of the ``Women`s Center`` and the ``Diabetes Center of Excellence'' at South Texas Hospital. Dr. Vela has been recognized for his achievements through various awards, fellowships, and appointments. He was one of only three individuals presented with the prestigious Plate of Bounty Award in 1999 by the United States Department of Health and Human Services for his work in migrant health care. Dr. Vela was named the Selected National Institutes of Mental Health/APA Minority Fellow in 1989, and in 1986, he earned the Kellogg Fellowship in Health Policy and Management from Harvard University. Some of Dr. Vela's state and national appointments include the Texas Medical Association, the Governor's Border Working Group Health Subcommittee, the South Texas Health Education Committee, the National Advisory Council on Migrant Health, the TeleHealth Steering Committee for the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board, and the Good Neighbors National Environmental Board established by Congress. Dr. Vela has displayed dedication to improving public health throughout Texas and has advanced the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. I would like to thank him for his commitment to providing access to health care for thousands of individuals, and I extend my best wishes to him in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 1733) to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide for a national standard of interoperability and portability applicable to electronic food stamp benefit transactions.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill, S. 1733, the Food Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Interoperability and Portability Act. This bill was passed unanimously by the Senate last November, and today the House will act on that bill. The bill provides for a national standard of interoperability and portability for the food stamp program. The bill requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to set specific standards for States with electronic benefit transfer systems so that food stamp participants can redeem their benefits in neighboring States. Under the food stamp coupon system, participants can redeem benefits in any retail food store. States want to apply this same principle to the EBT system of delivery of food assistance benefits. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), chairman of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over the food stamp program, introduced a similar bill last year. I commend the chairman of the subcommittee for his attention to this matter and his work ensuring proper oversight of the food stamp program. The Food Stamp Act already requires that all States issue food stamp benefits under an EBT system by the year 2002. The EBT is a more efficient and effective manner in which to provide food benefits for needy families. S. 1733 requires the USDA, within 7 months of enactment, adopt a uniform national standard of interoperability and portability so that State-issued EBT cards can be used in other States. The standards are to be based on the standards used by the majority of States, thereby enabling USDA to use flexibility in writing the standards. The bill also provides for exemptions for States if they have entered into EBT contracts using other standards. Also, waivers are provided for States operating smart card food stamp systems rather than debit card systems, as most States do. S. 1733 requires USDA to pay 1 percent of the costs of adopting these standards up to a maximum of $500,000 per year. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 1733. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte).

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner).

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 1733.