Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present I would have voted in the affirmative for H.R. 4823, Holocaust Restitution Tax Fairness Act of 2002. A ``yea'' vote would have also been cast for H.R. 4800, a bill to repeal the sunset of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 with respect to the expansion of the adoption credit and adoption assistance programs.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication and commitment of Mr. Jarred M. Lindley. Mr. Lindley is a recent graduate of Savannah High School in Savannah, Missouri, who had perfect attendance throughout his 13 Years of public education. Remarkably, Mr. Lindley also was not tardy from any event, even once, in those 13 years. Mr. Lindley, set this goal when he was an elementary student and would not take credit for his accomplishment until the final day of his senior year was complete. I am honored to have Mr. Lindley living in the Sixth Congressional District of Missouri. Along with Jarred Lindley's parents, Sherry and Michael, family, and friends, I take pride in what he has accomplished. I commend Mr. Lindley for his dedication in reaching his perfect attendence record. Additionally, he is graduating in the top five percent of his class, and is a member of the gold team, honor society, band, as well as holding down a part time job after school. I again want to congratulate Mr. Jarred Lindley for his accomplishment. He makes the Sixth District and All Americans very proud.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courage and dedication of Mr. Ira Junior Anderson. Mr. Anderson is a Korean war veteran who was recently recognized for his service and issued the Bronze Star Medal. Mr. Anderson will be honored on May 19, 2002 at Hardin-Central High School where he will also be receiving his honorary high school diploma. I feel honored to have Mr. Anderson living in the Sixth Congressional District of Missouri. Mr. Anderson's family members and friends should take pride in what he has done for this country to keep it free and strong. I commend Mr. Anderson for his courage and dedication and for allowing so many people to celebrate with him during this time. Mr. Anderson and other veterans like him have endured hardships and pain that most of us will never know. I again thank Mr. Anderson for his service and dedication to this great country. He makes the sixth district and all Americans very proud.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 3321.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this farm bill. This is a good bill that meets the needs of America's farmers and the American consumer. It certainly does not solve all the problems we have in agriculture, but it sure does take a big step forward. A vote for this farm bill is a vote for an affordable food policy. American families can continue to enjoy the fact that their food is the most affordable, safe, and abundant in the world. I am particularly pleased with the new counter-cyclical program. Over the last five years, we've seen record lows for farm outputs and record highs for farm inputs. The counter-cyclical program will help farmers bridge these problems and help secure high quality, low cost food for our nation. I also am pleased with the new emphasis that this legislation places on value-added agriculture. More than anything else we can do, giving greater incentives to family farmers to add value to their commodities will create new opportunities to survive and remain profitable. Producing ethanol, preserving the identity of commodities for niche markets, expanding biodiesel production, and a whole range of new and exciting farming ventures will reinvigorate the farming community and create new employment opportunities on the farm and in the agricultural industry as a whole. In closing, let me thank Chairman Combest, the committee's ranking member Mr. Stenholm and all the conferees for their good work. I urge my colleagues to reject the motion to recommit and adopt the farm bill conference report.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 476, the Child Custody Protection Act, is an important measure that Congress should pass and allow President Bush to sign. Transporting minors across State lines for abortions to circumvent State parental involvement laws is a widespread problem in our country. In this Country we, as citizens, do not allow our minor children to drive a car, to buy alcohol, or cigarettes, or even to vote. How can we as parents allow minor children to travel across certain State lines to obtain an abortion, without parental consent? The purpose of the Child Custody Protection Act is twofold. The first is to protect the health and safety of young girls by preventing valid and constitutional State parental involvement laws from being circumvented. This is not a Federal parental involvement law. This plainly ensures that these State laws are not evaded through interstate activity. This bill is the Federal reinforcement to the enacted State measures providing constitutionally sound parental involvement in their childrens lives. Parental involvement during one of the most terrifying decisions a minor girl will ever make will improve medical care and safety for those young women. The second purpose is to protect the rights of parents to be involved in the medical decisions of their minor daughters. Parents need to be aware that their minor daughter may be subjected to surgery or to the administration of drugs that could be dangerous to her health. There may be a multiple of potential health risks that the minor has no knowledge about including a history of family illness or allergies. This is something that affects our entire Nation. In fact, in 1997, a study in the American Journal of Public Health reported that a leading abortion provider in Missouri refers minors out of State for abortions if the girls do not want to involve their parents. Reproductive Health Services, which performs over half of the abortions performed in Missouri, refers minors to the Hope Clinic for Women in Granite City, Illinois. Research reveals that based on the available data the odds of a minor traveling out of State for an abortion increased by over 50 percent when Missouri's parental consent law went into effect. Furthermore, compared to older women, underage girls were significantly more likely to travel out of State to have their abortions. A 1999 St. Louis Post-Dispatch news report confirms that the Hope Clinic in Illinois continues to attract underage girls seeking abortions without parental involvement. According to the report, the Hope Clinic performed 3,200 abortions on out-of-State women last year, and the clinic's executive director estimates that number is 45% of the total abortions performed at the clinic. The executive director also estimates that 13% of the clinic's clients are minors. This legislation will work to protect our young children. I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation and I look forward to swift action by the Senate. We cannot allow our children to make this life altering decision alone. Parents need to provide a protective hand; H.R. 476 is the protection our children deserve.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 17 Northwest Missouri school districts that have been recognized as ``most- improved'' by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This recognition highlights the outstanding commitment Northwest Missouri has made to ensure that no child is left behind. Since 1998, Missouri has administered the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests yearly to measure a student's achievement. The mathematics assessment is given to fourth, seventh, and 10th graders. A communications arts assessment is given to third, seventh, and 11th graders, a science assessment is given to third, seventh, and 10th graders and a social studies assessment is given to the fourth, eighth, and 11th grades. A health/physical education assessment is given to fifth and ninth graders as well. These important tests help Missouri's schools identify both strong and weak academic areas. Most importantly, the MAP tests illustrate the progress Northwest Missouri's school districts have made in providing students with the best available education. I would like to acknowledge the Saint Joseph school district, which appeared four times on the ``most improved top ten'' list. These schools are Hall Elementary, Webster Elementary (appeared twice), and Lafayette High School. Barry School, in Platte County, appeared three times on the top ten list, and Nodaway County placed four of its schools on the list. Other Northwest Missouri schools appearing on the most improved list include Chillicothe High School, Penney High School, Pickering Elementary School, Tri-County High School, West Platte High School, Craig High School, Fairfax Elementary School, North Harrison High School, Northeast Nodaway High School, Pattonsburg High School, Savannah High School, Smithville High School, South Nodaway High School, Southwest High School, Stanberry Elementary, Tri-County Elementary, West Nordaway High School, and West Nodaway Elementary. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the above schools for their ongoing efforts to strengthen education and the hardworking students who demonstrated their knowledge. I am confident these schools will continue to successfully meet their educational goals.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the impeccable motor carrier safety record of Mr. Dennis Mays of Blue Springs, Missouri. Mr. Mays is a professional motor carrier operator for Roadway Express, Inc. According to the most recent information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large trucks drove 7 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. In motor vehicle crashes, large trucks represented 9 percent of vehicles in fatal crashes, 3 percent of vehicles in injury crashes, and 5 percent of vehicles in proper-ty- damage-only crashes. Mr. Mays reached a safety milestone when he recently surpassed one million miles driven without a preventable accident. This outstanding achievement, obtained by few drivers, demonstrates Mr. Mays' commitment to safety. To put this accomplishment in perspective, the average car driver would have to travel around the world forty times to equal this milestone. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Dennis Mays for reaching this noteworthy milestone. I am proud to have a constituent as dedicated to highway safety as he is, and I wish him continued safe driving in the future.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2715, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, is a simple bill that ensures that all infants who are born alive are entitled to the same protections we all share under federal law. This bill says that if a child is born and is showing signs of life, this child is entitled to the full protection of law. We are talking about babies who are breathing, have a beating heart, or whose muscles are moving. These children are our future and deserve to have every opportunity to embrace the privileges that were granted to each of us. I believe that life begins at conception, and a child exhibiting these signs of a living, breathing little boy or girl should receive the full protection of law, rather than being left to die a horrible death. I am extremely saddened that today in Congress we have to debate this legislation. What is happening in America that these precious, innocent children are born alive and not protected by the law? The right in our society to terminate a human life is a grave threat to human principles. It is the most vulnerable members of our society, our newborn children, who fall victim to this fundamental legitimatization of infanticide. I believe all children should be welcome and protected under the law. I was a co-sponsor and strong supporter of this legislation. I commend the House for passing H.R. 2715, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act and I urge the Senate to take swift action on this legislation.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reverend Bobby Ray Morris of Lawson, Missouri. Reverend Morris has been the pastor of the Lawson Assembly of God Church for the past 42 years, providing spiritual leadership to generations of Missourians. In addition to caring for his congregation, Reverend Morris is a positive influence on the community of Lawson. During his distinguished tenure, 25 individuals became pastors, youth leaders, and missionaries. The dedication and guidance of Reverend Morris enabled these individuals to answer their calls to the ministry. This well-loved and respected man of God is retiring on March 16. Although the Reverend will relinquish his role as leader of the Lawson Assembly of God Church, he will remain a spiritual leader in the community and continue to guide and inspire future generations. Please join me in honoring Reverend Bobby Ray Morris for his life of service to the community of Lawson.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in support of House Resolution 335, honoring the commitment of our Nation's Catholic Schools to excellence. Catholic schools continue to enrich the lives of our children by providing excellent education as well as spiritual enrichment. The numbers speak for themselves. Catholic schools boast a 95 percent graduation rate, with 83 percent of students continuing on to higher education. But the Catholic school experience fosters more than just scholastic excellence. Catholic schools provide spiritual guidance to students, instilling in them fundamental values that are crucial to the overall development of these students. Catholic schoolchildren gain an appreciation of the importance of family values, community service, and faith in their lives. This, in turn, shapes Catholic school students into leaders of tomorrow. I am proud of the Catholic schools in my district that continue to establish such high standards--Saint John LaLande in Blue Springs, Bishop Hogan Memorial in Chillicothe, Saint Andrew the Apostle in Gladstone, Saint Patrick and Saint Therese in Kansas City; Saint James in Liberty, Saint Gregory Barbarigo in Maryville, Saint Charles Borromeo in Oakview, Bishop LeBlond High School, Co-Cathedral, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Francis Xavier, Saint James and Saint Patrick in Saint Joseph. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the contributions of our Catholic schools and look forward to their continued achievement.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to World War II flying ace Richard West of Chillicothe, MO. A member of 35th Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force stationed in the South Pacific, Richard shot down 14 Japanese fighters during 1943 and 1944. He was one kill away from being a triple ace. Amazingly, in his 173 combat missions flying P-40 Warhawks and P-38 Lightnings, Richard saw air-to-air combat only eight times. However, one of those times he shot down four planes, another time he shot down two planes. Along with other American aces in the South Pacific, West's character became legendary as the ``Samson of the Pacific''. In the book, ``Fighter Aces,'' it is said that he refused to cut his hair until he downed his first Japanese plane. Richard also authored his own book, ``Three Songs and Other Poems,'' a book depicting the drama of air-to- air combat. Richard West is a highly decorated war veteran who helped shape the course of our Nation. He is a member of the ``greatest generation'' and deserves our respect and thanks. I am proud to announce that on Saturday, January 12, the Chillicothe Municipal Airport Terminal Building will be named in his honor, a memorial long overdue. I thank Richard West for his service to our country.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, we have taken many good steps since September 11 toward protecting our country. As our focus returns to the domestic issues, let us not overlook one critical piece missing from our Nation's security plan, tightening border control. Each day, countless travelers freely cross our borders without proving their right to be in our country. Our ability to screen these people, even when this is an option, is severely compromised and must be addressed by bolstering the technology and intelligence capabilities at our ports of entry. I, along with some of my colleagues, have introduced the Enhanced Border Security Act to strengthen our border security and monitor foreign nationals, particularly those on student visas visiting our country. Our legislation would allow government law enforcement and intelligence agencies to share background information through a shared database. Additionally, this legislation will track foreign students receiving visas from educational institutions to ensure they are accounted for upon their arrival, during their study, and when their visa expires. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this comprehensive legislation that will help ensure the safety of our Nation.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, it is with much pride that I rise today to congratulate one of Missouri's educators. With emphasis placed on the need to reform our public schools and ensure that our children receive quality instruction, it pleases me to know that Graden Elementary School is on the right path. I ask that you join me in congratulating Principal Michael J. Otto, recently named a recipient of the 2001 National Distinguished Principals award. The U.S. Department of Education, along with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, began this program in 1984 to honor those principals that exemplify the vital leadership necessary to guide our school communities. Education Secretary Paige commented that, ``Principals today--more than ever before--are critical leaders in the effort to improve America's public schools. I applaud these outstanding principals for their dedication, achievements, tirelessness, and leadership. I look forward io working with principals across the nation . . . to improve the performance of all students so that no child is left behind.'' I could not agree more with Secretary Paige's comments. I find it admirable that the recipients were nominated by their peers, further demonstrating the effects of their commitment to educational excellence. I am honored to represent a man who has given so much of himself to provide our schoolchildren not only with excellent instruction, but also inspiration. Again, I congratulate Principal Michael J. Otto and commend him for his diligent work on behalf of our schoolchildren.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, America is consistently the world's largest agricultural exporter. America generated $50 billion in exports last year and is expected to generate another $53 billion in exports this year. Passing Trade Promotion Authority will expand U.S. markets even further and provide a necessary step for America's continued economic growth. Since TPA expired in 1994, U.S. agricultural exports have increasingly faced onerous trade barriers that threaten both the farm economy and our entire balance of trade. American farmers depend on being able to export their products and crops to the rest of the world; and with 96 percent of the world's population living outside of the U.S. borders, there were billions of potential customers of our bounty. Additionally, soybean farmers in my home State of Missouri send more than 50 percent of their products overseas. Passing H.R. 3005 will open the doors to increased exports and make it easier to forge market-opening agreements on agriculture with our trading partners. Let us pass Trade Promotion Authority and unleash the vast potential of America's agriculture sector.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, as we discuss the characteristics of an aviation security bill we must not lose focus of our responsibility to the flying public. Airline passengers must feel safe before they return en masse to the skies. Nothing will guarantee their safety until all items placed on an aircraft are thoroughly screened by skilled professionals using the best available technology. As we implement new changes to be aviation security, we must ensure that all baggage entering the plane is properly screened. I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) for their untiring efforts to draft the most comprehensive, sensible transportation security legislation possible. Enforcing strict Federal supervision on the Nation's screening programs makes sense. Furthermore, it is a method proven to work. Simply federalizing 28,000 employees will not change the quality of our screening process. Now is the not the time to implement a one-size-fits-all cure. Rather, the security needs of each airport should determine what screening measures work best for their particular situation. It is absurd to think that mere federalization is the answer to such severe structural problems that presently exist. Mr. Speaker, I adamantly believe that the Federal role is to set the standard and enforce it. Then each situation must be met as it dictates. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 3150, the Transportation Act of 2001.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. 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. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of the Blue Springs South Jaguar Pride Marching Band and the Band Director John Robichaud. The band, under the leadership and direction of Mr. Robichaud, was selected to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2002. Being selected to perform on the national stage is a tremendous honor. Their hard work and dedication will be an excellent representation of the people in the Sixth Congressional District. All the students, parents, teachers, and administrators at Blue Springs South High School should take pride in this commendable achievement. This outstanding band is deserving of all the accolades it receives. I commend Ronald Okum, Tournament of Roses President and the rest of the selection committee for selecting the Jaguar Pride Marching Band and once again congratulate Mr. Robichaud and the students of the Blue Springs South Band for their dedication and hard work. You make the sixth district proud.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize FedEx for its work and sacrifice in honor of all the people who both survived and who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, their families and their friends. These terrorist attacks mark a solemn moment in America's history. American men and women, civilians and soldiers, firefighters and police, mothers and fathers, were slain for a cause so terrible, so heinous, and so despicable that we find it unimaginable and indescribable. United, Americans seek to find meaning and hope in a seemingly hopeless and meaningless act. In the days since these terrible terrorist attacks, America has been shoulder-to-shoulder in a struggle to meet the challenges of a world that is a little less safe, a little scarier, and far less predictable. The efforts of businesses like FedEx signify the commitment and concern of Americans everywhere. Our nation's strength does not lie in her military might but rather in the collective compassion of its people. Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, FedEx has assisted UPCO and their customers nationwide providing the costs of mailing and distribution of dog supplies to the New York/New Jersey German Shephard Rescue. The patriotism and persistence of FedEx is a lasting memorial to the thousands of victims who perished in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Through the days, weeks, and months ahead, all Americans must come together and do what they can to assist the nation's war effort. Whether it is giving blood, sending donations, praying for the thousands of grieving families, or simply saying thanks to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day so that we may be free, it is important that the American people are vigilant in their efforts to overcome this evil. Though our nation has witnessed unspeakable horror, America's virtues, determination, and faith continues to shine brightly on the world. I am confident that the United States will seek out those that harbor hatred, terror, and depravity in their hearts; and we will defeat them. This is a war that we must, can, and will win. May God bless the families and children grieving across this great nation and may God bless America.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the patrons and organizers of the Southside Fall Festival for their work and sacrifice in honor of all the people who both survived and who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 their families and their friends. These terrorist attacks mark a solemn moment in America's history. American men and women, civilians and soldiers, firefighters and police, mothers and fathers, were slain for a cause so terrible, so heinous, and so despicable that we find it unimaginable and indescribable. United, Americans seeks to find meaning and hope in a seemingly hopeless and meaningless act. In the days since these terrible terrorist attacks, America has been shoulder-to-shoulder in a struggle to meet the challenges of a world that is a little less safe, a little scarier, and far less predictable. The efforts of the patrons and organizers of the Southside Fall Festival signify the commitment and concern of Americans everywhere. Our Nation's strength does not lie in her military might but rather in the collective compassion of its people. Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the patrons and organizers of the Southside Fall Festival have raised and contributed more than $1,500 to assist the grieving families and rescue workers. The patriotism and persistence of the patrons and organizers of the Southside Fall Festival is a lasting memorial to the thousands of victims who perished in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Through the days, weeks, and months ahead, all Americans must come together and do what they can to assist the Nation's war effort. Whether it is giving blood, sending donations, praying for the thousands of grieving families, or simply saying thanks to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day so that we may be free, it is important that the American people are vigilant in their efforts to overcome this evil. Though our Nation has witnessed unspeakable horror, America's virtues, determination, and faith continues to shine brightly on the world. I am confident that the United States will seek out those that harbor hated, terror, and depravity in their hearts; and we will defeat them. This is a war that we must, can, and will win. May God bless the families and children grieving across this great Nation and may God bless America.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Missouri Air Guard's 139th Airlift Wing for its work and sacrifice in honor of all the people who both survived and who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, their families and their friends. These terrorist attacks mark a solemn moment in America's history. American men and women, civilians and soldiers, firefighters and police, mothers and fathers, were slain for a cause so terrible, so heinous, and so despicable that we find it unimaginable and indescribable. United, Americans seek to find meaning and hope in a seemingly hopeless and meaningless act. In the days since these terrible terrorist attacks, America has been shoulder-to-shoulder in a struggle to meet the challenges of a world that is a little less safe, a little scarier, and far less predictable. The efforts of organizations like the 139th Airlift Wing signify the commitment and concern of Americans everywhere. Our nation's strength does not lie in her military might but rather in the collective compassion of its people. Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the 139th Airlift Wing flew to McGuire Air Force base in New Jersey to bring back Missouri's Task Force One whose 65 volunteers had spent more than a week at Ground Zero in an effort to support the search and rescue effort. The patriotism and persistence of the 139th Airlift Wing is a lasting memorial to the thousands of victims who perished in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Through the days, weeks, and months ahead, all Americans must come together and do what they can to assist the nation's war effort. Whether it is giving blood, sending donations, praying for the thousands of grieving families, or simply saying thanks to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day so that we may be free, it is important that the American people are vigilant in their efforts to overcome this evil. Though our nation has witnessed unspeakable horror, America's virtues, determination, and faith continues to shine brightly on the world. I am confident that the United States will seek out those that harbor hatred, terror, and depravity in their hearts; and we will defeat them. This is a war that we must, can, and will win. May God bless the families and children grieving across this great nation and may God bless America.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to this amendment. This amendment is not in the best interests of farmers and ranchers in the State of Missouri nor anywhere else in the Nation. This amendment diverts money out of the hands of working farmers. Throughout this debate, I have heard my colleagues discuss the current farm crisis, the low commodity prices, the struggling family farm operations. I know all too well just how hard it is to stay in production agriculture today. I am a farmer. I want to remind my colleagues that the legislation we are debating today will guide the agriculture industry for the next 10 years. I believe that farmers in my district would agree that the base bill is a very good bill. It provides the stability that producers need to stay in business while dramatically increasing funding for conservation incentive programs. This amendment that we are talking about disrupts the balance that that base bill tries to strike. This amendment diverts $15 billion from the farm safety net, hitting those farmers who are hurting the worst the hardest. Furthermore, this diversion of funds from the financial safeguard would be used to expand Federal control and ownership of private lands. Mr. Chairman, this amendment takes lands permanently out of production by devoting billions of dollars to land retirement. This amendment retires productive farmland. Taking land out of production does not ensure the continuation of a safe, affordable, domestic source of food and fiber for our country. In this time of international uncertainty, we do not want to tie the hands of the world's most productive farmers. I urge my colleagues to defeat this amendment.