Larry Combest

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, could the Chair give us the time accounting?

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston).

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, the amendment which I am offering would ensure that nothing in H.R. 2356 would restrict workers, farmers, or their family members from communicating their views and needs to their elected leaders and the public. I believe that Shays-Meehan contains unfair restrictions on the rights of citizens, either individually or collectively, to communicate with their elected representatives and the general public. Such restrictions would stifle and suppress individual and group activity and advocacy pertaining to the public and government. My neighbors at home in Texas do not want more restriction on their speech and ability to participate in the political process. They already fear that those in Washington do not hear their wants and needs. I can assure my colleagues that they do not know that this bill would further limit their ability to impact the national debate. One of the most effective ways for citizens to communicate is to pool their voices and resources with like-minded individuals who many times would not be heard if not for this ability. This is essential for minority populations and those from rural areas. Without these tools to educate those not from rural areas of our unique needs, it would be impossible to positively impact the political debate. The campaign finance reform debate demonstrates how out of touch Washington, D.C., is with rural America. East Coast editorial writers are the only ones who care about this issue. Before I came over to the floor today, I held a telephone conference with my rural newspaper editors; and not one question was asked about campaign finance reform; and yet if one listened to and read a few Eastern publications, they would think that the world is silently awaiting out there tonight for this House to respond and to act on this bill. These terrible special interest groups that we hear so much about are made up of workers, farmers and families. These folks are trying to make a living and raise their families, and their personal time is scarce. They rely on their industry representatives to track important issues and to alert them when action is needed. Most important to them is when the group reports how a particular candidate views their issue of interest. The problem is not interest groups, but the groups that have somehow been deemed politically incorrect by the political and media elites. To them Washington knows best, and if they are from a less-populated rural area of the country, their view and television ad should not count or be heard. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment as the designee of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey).

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3005. Trade Promotion Authority is a win for American agriculture. It is a vital tool that the Bush administration must have in order to fight for the American farmers and ranchers in the global marketplace. In all of my 17 years in Congress, I have never seen a President more committed and focused on American agriculture. President Bush has stated that it is his intention that agriculture remains at the cornerstone of his administration's trade program, that his commitment to the American farmers and ranchers in all aspects is constant and strong. The President has firmly stated to me that the American farmer and rancher will be the beneficiaries of Trade Promotion Authority, and I intend to work with the administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that the best interests of our farmers and ranchers are kept in the minds of American trade negotiators. H.R. 3005 clearly provides that the Committee on Agriculture must be involved in all discussions and consultations during negotiations and immediately prior to signing any agreement. As chairman of that committee, I intend to make sure that that happens. I will continue to work with the administration to make sure that American agriculture uses all the tools necessary to compete on the global stage. I rise today in support of H.R. 3005. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is a win for American agriculture and is a vital tool that the Bush administration must have in order to fight for the American farmers and ranchers in the global marketplace. In all of my 17 years of Congress, I have never seen a President more committed to and focused on American agriculture. President Bush has stated that it is his intention that agriculture remains the cornerstone of his administration's trade program and that his commitment to American farmers and ranchers in all aspects is strong and constant. Therefore I support granting the President trade negotiating authority and urge my colleagues to do the same. The President has firmly stated to me that America's farmers and ranchers will be the beneficiaries of trade promotion authority. I intend to work with the administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that the best interests of our farmers and ranchers are kept in mind as agricultural trade negotiations proceed. Since U.S. farmers and ranchers produce much more than is consumed in the United States, exports are vital to the prosperity and success of U.S. farmers and ranchers. TPA will give the President the flexibility to take advantage of market-opening opportunities, while maintaining the closest possible consultation with Congress. It is important that American farmers and ranchers see agriculture trade and new trade agreements as a positive force. Officials administering trade issues must both understand production agriculture here at home and the fierce competition in worldwide agricultural trade. H.R. 3005 clearly provides that the Committee on Agriculture must be involved in all discussions and consultations during trade negotiations and immediately prior to signing any trade agreement. As chairman of the committee I intend to make sure that happens. I will continue to work with the administration to make sure that American agriculture uses all the tools necessary to compete on the global stage, while maintaining our international obligations. As President Bush has said, the success of agriculture contributes to the strength of this Nation. Our President recognizes that the worldwide agricultural market has been rigged against farmers who play fair. Through trade negotiations we can achieve a more level playing field . . . and, as President Bush says, that is good news for the world's most productive food producers--the American farmers. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3005 and grant the President trade promotion authority.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the Amarillo High woman's volleyball team in their great victory in the class 5A state championship. Their November 17th triumph marks the fourth state championship title for the Lady Sandies, an accomplishment that is truly deserving of recognition and praise. The Amarillo High woman's volleyball program has been built upon a solid foundation of hard work, dedication and sportsmanship. This year's team had a strong season with an impressive 37-2 record. The Lady Sandies played every game with powerful determination and energy. This team showcases the ability of today's youth to pull together as a team to reach their goals, and support one another. It is with great pride that I recognize the members of the Amarillo High's Lady Sandies volleyball team and their coaches for this accomplishment, as well as the administration and fans that carried them to victory. Thanks to their tremendous efforts, Amarillo, Texas is now home to the 2001-2002 Class 5A State Champions. I salute the Lady Sandies for bringing home another state volleyball title.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join Hereford, and the Texas Panhandle in congratulating the Hereford Lady Whitefaces in their win in the Class 4A state volleyball championship. This is the fourth state volleyball title that the Lady Whitefaces have brought home, a record that is truly deserving of recognition and praise. The Hereford High lady volleyball team has a history of hard work, dedication and sportsmanship. This hard-fought victory comes after falling just short of winning the title last season. The women of the Lady Whiteface volleyball team have stood firm in their goal to regain this prestigious title. This team has shown what today's youth can accomplish when teamwork and determination are applied to a goal. It is with great pride that I recognize the members of the Hereford Lady Whitefaces and their coaches for this accomplishment, as well as the faculty and fans that led them to victory. Thanks to their tremendous efforts, Hereford, Texas is once again home to the Class 4A state volleyball championship title. I salute the Hereford Lady Whitefaces for bringing home this state title.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend All Saints Episcopal School from my home town in Lubbock, TX, for their outstanding efforts to help those who were affected by the tragic events of September 11. Due to heightened security issues in Washington, DC, 25 students from All Saints were forced to cancel their school trip to our Nation's capital. Nonetheless, on September 24, 2001, the All Saints Episcopal school chapel held a service and donated the offering to the New York City Relief Fund. All Saints Episcopal was able to make a donation of nearly $8,000 to the victims' families through the American Red Cross. This U.S.A. Blue Ribbon School of Excellence is also participating in an ongoing endeavor to raise money for the Afghan Children's Relief fund. More than 10 million children in Afghanistan suffer from the effects of Taliban repressive policies. Over the past 20 years Afghan children and their families have faced war, earthquakes, drought, and poverty. Now, many of them live in refugee camps where there is not enough food and water, or warm blankets to protect them from the cold winds of the brutal Afghan winter. The students' donation to the American Fund for Afghan Children will help feed and shelter children living in this cruel environment. The students' motivation set an inspirational path which should encourage Americans to continue this humanitarian effort. It is with great pride that I recognize All Saints Episcopal School for their tremendous accomplishments and dedication to the United States.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 981.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I bring to the attention of my colleagues the following exchange of letters between the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Ways and Means with regards to H.R. 2646. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, September 17, 2001. Hon. Larry Combest, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture. Dear Chairman Combest: I am writing concerning H.R. 2646, the ``Agriculture Act of 2001,'' which was ordered favorably reported by the Committee on Agriculture on August 2, 2001. As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means has long maintained a jurisdictional interest over matters concerning trade. Contained in the bill are two provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. Sec. 127 of the bill changes the level of import quotas on cotton permitted under U.S. law, and Sec. 146 requires importers of dairy products to pay assessments applied to domestic dairy producers to offset the costs of dairy sales promotion programs. These provisions fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. However, in order to expedite this legislation for floor consideration we will not seek action on these particular proposals. This is being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee's jurisdictional prerogatives on these measures or any other similar legislation, and it should not be considered as precedent for consideration of matters of jurisdictional interest to the Committee in the future. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 2646, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on these matters be included in your committee report. Best regards, Bill Thomas, Chairman.

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 H.R. 2646.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that in the engrossment of the bill, H.R. 2646, the Clerk be authorized to correct the table of contents, section numbers, punctuation, citations and cross-references and to make other such technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the actions of the House in amending the bill.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that on amendment No. 11 to be offered by the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Bono), that time be limited to 20 minutes on the amendment and all amendments thereto, equally divided by the proponent and an opponent.

Mr. COMBEST. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that during further consideration of H.R. 2646 in the Committee of the Whole pursuant to House Resolution 248, that debate on amendment No. 47 and all amendments thereto shall not exceed 55 minutes, with 45 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and 10 minutes controlled by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey); and that no further amendment may be offered after the legislative day of Thursday, October 4, 2001, except one pro forma amendment each offered by the chairman or ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture or their designees for the purpose of debate.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I just want to say to the gentleman from New York that I think the committee would be certainly willing to accept the amendment. I do want to point out, as the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm) did, some of the same concerns there are. No one is going to try to justify the inhumane treatment of an animal, but there are a couple of issues that I do think we need to try to make for sure that we address as we are looking through this. This has been an issue that for some time has obviously been discussed. It may have been the gentleman's bill back in 1996, H.R. 2143, on which Secretary Glickman wrote a letter to the committee in this regard, and, again, just a couple of points. One of the things that I think highlights this is that it says, ``This bill may cause some producers of livestock to dispose of sick and diseased animals outside of normal marketing channels. This would increase the risk of these animals being slaughtered for human consumption without appropriate inspection.'' Obviously, I think, none of us would want that to occur. ``As well, downed animals are one of the bases of BSE or mad cow disease test regime.'' We certainly know the implications that this has in other countries, as it has had around the world, and how fortunate we are to be able to keep that out. I would not want us to do something that would in fact increase the chances of not being able to catch those diseases early. Mr. Chairman, I am sure the gentleman has no interest in any of these unintended consequences, but these are things that have been expressed and looked at over a period of time that we certainly would like to try to make sure we might be able to, as we work through this, even perfect more, without undermining the intent of the gentleman.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I want to further emphasize what the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Combest) said. We have some exchange of letters in this regard and we appreciate the gentlewoman's cooperation and we look forward to working with her on this matter.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman and urge passage of the amendment.

Mr. COMBEST. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I yield whatever time remains to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht).

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, none at the current time.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green).