Herb Kohl

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I am pleased to present to the Senate, the fiscal year 2002 appropriations bill for agriculture, rural development, the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies. This bill was approved by the Appropriations Committee without dissent, and I hope it will receive the support of all Senators. I believe this bill strikes an appropriate balance of programs, consistent with the interests of Senators, to meet the needs of the farm sector, the environment, and rural America generally; nutrition assistance to our Nation's most vulnerable citizens; provide adequate resources to the Food and Drug Administration for protection of our food supply and other aspects of public health; and to support other national and international priorities. This bill provides $73.9 billion in new budget authority for both mandatory and discretionary programs under our subcommittee's jurisdiction, and is within our 302(b) allocation. This bill is $2.8 billion below the level provided for fiscal year 2001, and is $78 million below the President's request. Let me restate, this bill is below the President's request. Although this bill is $2.8 billion below the level provided last year, I should explain that the fiscal year 2001 bill included $3.6 billion in emergency spending for natural disaster and market loss related assistance to farmers and rural communities. No emergency funding is provided in the bill now before the Senate, and when compared to the non-emergency spending for fiscal year 2001, we are providing an increase of approximately $850,000. That amount represents an increase of slightly more than 1 percent from the previous year. Before I go any further, I want to publicly thank my friend from Mississippi, Senator Cochran, ranking member on the Subcommittee, for his help and guidance. I also want to thank his staff: Rebecca Davies, minority clerk for the subcommittee, Martha Scott Poindexter, and Rachelle Schroder. Without their help and expertise, presentation of this bill to the Senate today would not have been possible. I owe a great deal of gratitude to Senator Cochran and his staff, as do all Senators. Mr. President, when someone refers to this bill simply as the ``Agriculture'' appropriations bill, one might be left with the impression that it relates only to programs important to the farming community. While this bill does much to support our Nation's farmers, it also does much more. This bill provides substantial funding for agriculture research, including human nutrition research, biotechnology, energy alternatives, and many other important areas of inquiry. It also provides increases in conservation programs that protect our soil, water, and air resources, including examination of global change, and other critical aspects of environmental protection. This bill also supports rural communities through economic development programs and assistance for basic needs such as housing, electricity, safe drinking water and waste disposal systems, and to help move rural America into the information age by promoting new technologies in the area of telecommunications and internet services. More and more, Americans are seeking relief from the congestion and sprawl of urban centers, and with the proper tools, rural America holds great promise for viable job opportunity alternatives. Programs in this bill do much to help rural communities provide the infrastructure necessary to create those jobs. In addition, funding in this bill supports many nutrition and public health related programs. These include the food stamp, school lunch, and other nutrition assistance programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children program--WIC. This bill also provides funding for the Food and Drug Administration, which includes an increase for the Office of Generic Drugs to help make lower cost medications available to Americans as quickly as possible. Funding for the Food and Drug Administration, and other agencies, included in this bill will also help guarantee that the food Americans eat is not only the most nutritious and affordable in the world, but that it is also the safest. Assistance in this bill does not stop at our shores. This bill also includes a number of international programs such as Public Law 480, which provide humanitarian food assistance to people in dire need around the world. This bill also supports international trade through a number of programs designed to open, maintain, and expand markets for U.S. production overseas. Before I describe some of the specific program included in this bill, let me offer a few observations in view of recent events. World headlines this past year have described the devastation to the rural sector of the United Kingdom and other areas where foot and mouth disease outbreaks have raged out of control. Should such outbreaks occur in this country, the effect to the farm sector, and the general economy, would be staggering. Thankfully, this country has a strong set of safeguards to keep our shores safe from problems such as foot and mouth disease. But our safeguards are only as strong as the weakest part. More recently, we all witnessed the horrific events of September 11. Suddenly, we were reminded that the significant concerns were held, in regard to accidental introductions of exotic pests and disease, may pale in comparison to what could befall this country by design. This is true for protection of our food supply, and in order to ensure that our public health system has the resources for immediate response to any threat at any time. Last week, events occurring in the United States Senate, itself, reminded us of the need to keep strong our nation's defenses in regard to public health and safety. This bill, with jurisdiction for the food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety Inspection Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, numerous research agencies, and other vital parts of government, place this bill directly on the front line for safety and security for the American people. Our determination is strong, and our commitment is steadfast. This subcommittee is engaged in the struggle against terror, ignorance, and injustice, and we will prevail. We must stay ever vigilant, especially in view of our growing global economy, and global exposure, to keep USDA, the FDA, and other relevant agencies alert and well prepared to meet the prospect of invasion by foreign pests and disease or threats conveyed by any other medium. We give high deference to items important to national defense, and we must not lose sight that many of the challenges to our border inspectors, animal health experts, public health officials, and others play as important a role in our national defense as do those in our armed forces. We on this subcommittee have engaged Secretary Veneman, Secretary Thompson, and others in an ongoing dialogue so that we can do our best to understand what resources the various departments and agencies under the jurisdiction of this subcommittee require. We will continue these discussions as the administration allocates supplemental resources already provided by the Congress, and as we consider further appropriations actions. As I stated at the outset, I believe this bill provides a proper balance of priorities within the limitation of resources provided to this subcommittee. I would like to highlight a few of the programs supported by this bill: This bill provides $2.305 billion for agricultural research activities. This represents an increase of nearly $200 million above the fiscal year 2001 level, and includes programs of the Agricultural Research Service--the USDA-in house research agency; the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, which supports the long-standing State and Federal partnership in research and extension activities; and other research agencies of the Department of Agriculture. This appropriated amount is in addition to the $120 million also available through the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems. Agricultural production in this country is without parallel anywhere in the history of the world. Research has made that possible, and is one of the most important investments we can make to assure that American farmers continue that success and pass it on to the American consumer. This bill continues important support for those efforts. Regulatory and marketing activities at the Department of Agriculture are strongly supported by this bill, which includes $1.445 billion for food safety inspection, animal and plant health safety programs, oversight of marketing transparency and fairness, and other activities. This level reflects an increase of nearly $100 million above the previous year. This bill also includes a number of programs that directly support the farm sector. USDA farm credit serves the need of farmers in the acquisition and operations of farms all across this country. It should be noted, that many of today's farmers are nearing retirement age and without USDA farm credit programs, it would be very difficult for many young farmers to acquire the capital necessary to enter into this important occupation of high up-front costs, and high risk. Farm programs in this bill including farm credit, mediation, and the cost of supporting local Farm Service Agency offices, are funded at $1.487 billion, an increase of more than $200 million from last year. Americans do not only benefit from the abundance and quality of products grown on the farm, they also benefit from the wise land stewardship practiced by farmers and ranchers. This bill provides $980 million for conservation programs. This funding, in large part, provides support to Natural Resource Conservation Service staff, who provide conservation technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and others at the local level. This bill also includes a new account for the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, which will provide assistance to repair the many water conservation structures located throughout the country that, due to age and condition, now pose a risk to life and property. This funding is also in addition to other conservation programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which have been authorized as direct spending measures under the 1996 farm bill. This bill also allows the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer funds from a number of mandatory programs to provide technical assistance for the Conservation Reserve Program in a way that does not detract from USDA's ability to provide discretionary conservation assistance for other ongoing natural resource needs. It has often been noted that little of the general economic prosperity of the last decade made its way to rural America. This bill provides $2.794 billion for rural development programs. This is an increase of $318 million from the fiscal year 2001 level. Of this amount, slightly more than $1 billion is for the Rural Community Advancement Program, which includes the rural water and waste water loan and grants program, and is an increase of $243 million from last year's level. This bill also includes $35.8 billion for domestic food programs, the largest single area of spending in this bill. These programs include the Food Stamp Program and Child Nutrition Programs, such as the School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. In addition, this bill provides $4.247 billion for the WIC Program. This amount is an increase of $204 million from last year's level and $110 million above the amount requested by the President. In addition to support of domestic programs, funding in this bill also helps the United States meet international challenges both in the area of promoting free trade, and our moral obligations to provide humanitarian assistance. This bill provides $1.128 billion for foreign assistance and related programs, which is an increase of $38 million from the fiscal year 01 level. This amount includes an appropriation of $850 million for Public Law 480 Title II food donations, which is an increase of $15 million. Finally, this bill provides $1.217 billion for the Food and Drug Administration, an increase of $119 million from last year's level. The Food and Drug Administration provides a vital service to all Americans in helping protect our food and blood supplies, to ensure the safety and availability of effective drugs and medical devices, and other activities that affect American lives and health on a daily basis. This overview presents only some highlights of programs included in this appropriations bill. I believe we have a good bill and I want to again thank my friend, and ranking member, Senator Cochran, for his invaluable help in putting this bill together. I hope all Senators will support this bill. I believe that we can, and we should, move quickly to pass this bill in the Senate. I know that in years past, controversial subjects have come up when this bill has been on the floor, resulting in a number of days being spent on its consideration. I hope that will not be the case this year due, in part, to the recent tragic events which have occurred over the past six weeks, and the high state of urgency now before this Congress on other matters relating to a proper response to those events. I hope that we can follow the lead of Senator Dorgan when the Treasury and general government bill was on the floor earlier. Senator Dorgan pointed out that there were certain amendments he had planned to offer which were of great importance to him, but due to their controversial nature, he deferred introduction of those amendments in order to ease the passage of that legislation. He was successful, and that appropriations bill passed the Senate in one day. I, too, have amendments I had considered offering on subjects important to me, the people of Wisconsin, and all Americans. However, I also have chosen not to raise them at this time, and I hope all Senators will refrain, as Senator Dorgan and I have done on our respective bills, to avoid any subjects that would result in controversial, divisive, and lengthy debate. I do not mean to suggest that any Senator should not exercise any right he or she has, if the sentiment for that action is strong, but I do hope that consideration will be given to refrain from actions that will unnecessarily delay or make difficult the passage of this bill. Mr. President, at this time I turn to the Senator from Mississippi, Mr. Cochran.

Mr. KOHL. We would be happy to accommodate the Senator with respect to his last comment.

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I object. I would like to make a statement.

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I would like to respond to the previous speakers on this issue. I would like to declare that I will fight for them in conference. The House of Representatives has the money in their bill, and that fact will give us the opportunity to meet this need of apple growers. The Senators from the States of Michigan, Washington, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont have been very persuasive, most effective, and, frankly, relentless in this cause on behalf of their apple growers. This bill was voted out of the Appropriations Committee in July, and we fully expected the White House and the House of Representatives to fund this urgent need for apple growers in the agricultural supplemental. In fact, the Senate had done that. That is why it isn't in this bill. And the budget allocation precludes me from putting it in now. That is why I am declaring I will fight for it in conference instead. I very much appreciate the advocacy of the Senators from those States.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. I ask unanimous consent the managers' amendment be considered and agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, the bill be read the third time, and the Senate vote on passage of the bill, and, upon passage, the Senate insist on its amendment, requesting a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses, and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate, with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. KOHL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, in anticipation of getting this bill done shortly, I want to thank the Senate for cooperating and moving this bill so quickly and efficiently. I especially want to thank Senator Cochran. His knowledge of this bill, and its many complicated issues, is unsurpassed. His evenhanded, bipartisan approach to legislating are the key reasons we have such a good product in the Senate Agriculture appropriations bill. I also want to thank his fine and dedicated staff--Rebecca Davies, Martha Scott Poindexter, and Rachelle Schroder. All of our staff have had to operate in very difficult conditions these last few weeks, but you wouldn't know it from the fine quality of their work. Senators talk often about keeping the work of the Nation going here in the Senate, but it is these dedicated staff people who do the work that makes us look good--even if it means operating out of cardboard boxes and back basement rooms, without computers, telephones, or even windows. I also want to thank the members of my staff who have worked on this bill: Ben Miller, my agriculture LA, who handles issue as diverse as satellites and sugar beets with the same skill and good humor. Paul Bock, my chief of staff, who is an essential part of anything that goes well in our office. Les Spivey, Jessica Arden, and Dan Daggert, who have labored all year to bring this bill to the floor. And last, but certainly not least, Galen Fountain, the Agriculture Appropriations clerk. His knowledge and skill are exemplary, even legendary in the Senate. He has done everything in getting this bill together, from working out countless amendments to writing up my comprehensive opening statement. I firmly believe that, without him, we would have no Agriculture appropriations bill. Mr. President, I again thank the Senate for its help in moving this bill. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. KOHL. I understand the reasons why the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Center wants to purchase this land, and I will work to satisfy the request from the Senator from North Dakota to include a statement of managers in the conference report to allow the reprogramming of funds for this purpose.

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I thank my colleagues, Senator Dayton and Senator Wellstone. Both of you are strong advocates for farmers, and in particular the sugar beet growers in Minnesota. I am committed to secure a level of assistance that can ensure the survival of the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Coop, for another year.

Mr. KOHL. I thank the Senator from Hawaii for his insight and recommendation. I fully concur with his recommendation, because other funds are internally available to ARS to minimize the impact of the recommended internal reallocation of funds.

Mr. KOHL. I yield to the senior Senator from Hawaii.

Mr. KOHL. I thank the Senator from New Mexico for bringing these additional capabilities at PSL to my attention. I agree that the Commissioner should consider broadening the scope of the effort beyond microbial analyses of imported fruits and vegetables to include other products and contaminants under FDA's purview. Mr. BINGAMAN, Mr. President, I thank Chairman Kohl for his support of continued funding for PSL's Agriculture Products Food Safety Laboratory and for considering broadening the scope of the laboratory. The House bill does not include second-year funding for the food safely laboratory at New Mexico State, and I look forward to working with the chairman to ensure the Senate's funding level is included in the conference report. tropical and subtropical agricultural research

Mr. KOHL. Yes, I agree that PSL is helping support FDA's food safety program, and I was pleased to include second-year funding for PSL from the total sum appropriated to FDA for food safety and other initiatives.

Mr. KOHL. The Senator has correctly stated the intent of the committee. The size and grade survey will be conducted in the seven major producing States in conjunction with the current potato objective yield survey. The seven states are Idaho, Wisconsin, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington. These funds are needed to obtain statistically defensible potato size and grade date, and the sample size. This amount includes equipment, supplies, training, and personnel needs to conduct, analysis, and publish the survey data and add the additional objective yield samples required.

Mr. KOHL. I appreciate the comments of the Senator from Louisiana and will make every effort to accommodate her request during the conference of this bill. idaho oust problem

Mr. KOHL. I reiterate my strong support for this project and will work in conference and will work with the USDA to make sure this community receives this $80,000 in fiscal year 2002.

Mr. KOHL. I will do everything I can to include the Village of DeTour in the statement of managers as a high priority project worthy of funding in fiscal year 2002.

Mr. KOHL. I understand the need for increased research in this area and I will do my best to hold the increases for cereal crops research contained in the Senate bill. Animal Waste Research

Mr. KOHL. I appreciate the Senators from North Carolina letting us know of the interesting work taking place in North Carolina in regard to animal waste research. We will continue to work with Senator Helms and Senator Edwards to explore the potential of alternative energy sources.

Mr. KOHL. I also appreciate being advised of this matter. south plains range research station

Mr. KOHL. Yes. I recognize that Sudden Oak Death Syndrome is a growing problem that threatens oak trees and other species in my State and around the Nation. I assure my colleague that I will do my best in conference to push for an increase in funding to $1,000,000 when the agriculture bill is considered in conference. national organic standards

Mr. KOHL. The Senator from South Carolina is correct. I understand there has been significant progress on its construction and the new facility is scheduled to open in February 2002. I agree that the necessary funds must be provided for its operations.

Mr. KOHL. I thank the Senator from Idaho for his remarks, and I look forward to working with him to resolve this issue in conference. It is my understanding that contributions provided to the NRDP from other Federal agencies could be used to diminish the amount of funding that would come from USDA. The NRDP and SRDCs provide rural citizens and agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporations that serve rural areas with a forum for analyzing challenges and developing holistic and cost-effect solutions. There has never been a greater need for the type of work done by the partnership and SRDCs. Exotic diseases

Mr. KOHL. I thank the Senators and look forward to seeing this project develop. potato study

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following Appropriations Committee staff members be granted floor privileges during consideration of the fiscal year 2002 Agriculture Appropriations bill and any votes that may occur in relation thereto: Jessica Arden, Dan Dagger, Rebecca Davies, Galen Fountain, Martha Scott Poindexter, Rachelle Schroeder, and Les Spivey.