Collin Peterson

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Doug Crandall, who will retire at the end of this year after 13 years with the U.S. Forest Service. The Members and staff of the House Agriculture Committee wish to express our thanks and best wishes to Doug for his service. We had the opportunity to work closely with Doug and his staff as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Forest Service, and we'll miss his dedication and professionalism. Together we've worked on several important efforts, including the landmark Wildfire Funding Fix in 2018, and most recently the Great American Outdoors Act. During his time with the Forest Service, Doug has answered the Secretary's call several times, serving as Acting Assistant Secretary of Congressional Relations for one year, as well as Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment. Doug came to the Forest Service from right here in the House, where he served for eight years as Staff Director for the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health. Prior to that, Doug represented the Society of American Foresters, the National Forest Foundation, and the American Forest and Paper Association. We will miss Doug's hard work and we send our sincere gratitude and wish him all the best in retirement.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I thank the gentleman for his kind words and for his willingness to work with us over these last number of years. With this bill, we got just about all of our work done. We have the CFTC reauthorization we didn't get done, but everything else is off the plate. So that is good. We made good progress. We will, both of us, ride off into the sunset, I think, feeling that we have done a decent job. So, again, I thank Mr. Conaway and all members of the committee for the work that they do and wish them well in the next Congress. Mr. Speaker, I ask everybody to unanimously support S. 4054, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. Craig), one of our new and rising upcoming members of the Agriculture Committee.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. David Scott), and I want to congratulate him on his outstanding support from the steering committee to be the next chairman of the Agriculture Committee.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 4054, the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2020. I want to thank Ranking Member Conaway, General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee Chairman Vela, and Ranking Member Thompson for their bipartisan support for passage of S. 4054, the United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2020. The inspections provided by the Federal Grain Inspection Service define and classify grains, as well as assign grades to specify weight and quality requirements, and these inspections provide a gold-standard assurance backed by the Federal Government to both grain buyers and sellers. American grain farmers participate in a very competitive world, and foreign grain buyers should be confident in this process that we have put forward and have in place to ensure our exports are adequately inspected. As we move ahead with reauthorization, I hope that we can take stock in how well the current system of export inspections by the Federal and State agencies is working, and continue to work on a bipartisan basis, and to provide necessary certainty and stability for producers and our Federal grain inspection system. I would also like to note the need for a dedicated and strong workforce at our ports to ensure that American grain can be expertly and efficiently loaded into ships for export. I would encourage those companies that have not already reached an agreement with their workforce to continue to seek an agreement. I applaud the American- owned companies that have already committed to their workers. So I encourage my colleagues to support the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2020. American grain farmers participate in a fiercely competitive world market, and we need to ensure that our inspection system allows importers to maintain their confidence in the quality of U.S. grain. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 4054) to reauthorize the United States Grain Standards Act, and for other purposes.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate companion to my bill, S. 4075 the Reinvigorating Lending for the Future Act of 2020. The U.S. Economic Development Administration and its Revolving Loan Fund program provide desperately needed loans to small businesses and local community organizations across the United States. This funding is often a lifeline to rural communities overlooked by traditional financing. However, under current burdensome regulations, EDA RLF grantees must report on these funds ``in perpetuity''--even on loans made and paid back decades ago. I have heard from the Minnesota Association of Development Organizations, 8 of the 10 organizations serve my district, that this requirement takes away valuable time from the work at hand which is providing access to capital and supporting businesses. Now more than ever, as many Americans are struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, the RLF Act is a vital sign of support to our small businesses back home. My bill would remove this unnecessary requirement and allow local communities the freedom they need to recover their economies. This bipartisan legislation requires no additional funding, and creates more flexibility for regional economic development. The RLF Act returns decision making to the local units of government, eliminates unnecessary reporting and is just good common sense. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following letter from Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) reflecting their support for my recently introduced Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act, H.R. 6191, which will enable the growth of sustainable U.S. marine aquaculture. March 11, 2020. Dear Representative: We are contacting you regarding the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act, legislation sponsored by Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Steven Palazzo (R-MS) that will enable the growth of sustainable U.S. marine aquaculture. Demand for healthful, affordable, and sustainable protein is increasing dramatically. Globally, aquaculture is one of the fastest growing forms of food production. According to the World Bank, by 2030, aquaculture's share in global seafood production will expand to supply over 60% of fish for human consumption, whereas wild-capture seafood production will remain steady. Marine aquaculture requires no land, minimal fresh water and a relatively small amount of space to provide abundant, healthful seafood making it the most efficient means of animal protein production. Further, farmed seafood provides a source for local, traceable, affordable meal options that benefit public health. The United States' long coastline, expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), skilled labor force, superior technology, ample feed sources, and growing seafood market put it at the top of the list of countries with aquaculture potential. In fact, a doubling of U.S. aquaculture production to about 1 million tons could create an additional 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, assuming 20 direct jobs per 1,000 tons of seafood produced, or five jobs per 1,000 tons in equipment, feeds, processing, marketing, and food service. These jobs could provide stable, year-round employment opportunities in coastal and fishing communities where opportunities are often limited and seasonally dependent. Unfortunately, the U.S. ranks only 16th globally in aquaculture production. The problem? U.S. marine aquaculture is constrained by regulatory hurdles, including overlapping jurisdiction of federal, state, and local governments, and the absence of a clearly-defined permitting process. As a result, American investment, jobs, and technology are forced overseas while our dependence on imported seafood continues to rise--The U.S. now imports 91% of our seafood. Until Congress acts, the economic, environmental and societal benefits of aquaculture will remain inaccessible in the U.S. To remedy these challenges, the AQUAA Act establishes a clear permitting process for U.S. marine aquaculture and prioritizes environmental and societal health by establishing National Standards for Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture. AQUAA leverages modern siting and monitoring technologies to mitigate impacts on other ocean-based industries and ecosystems. It also provides for strict federal enforcement and includes a process for robust public input which ensures that coastal communities and states are considered prior to permitting new operations. In short, AQUAA provides much- needed regulatory certainty for U.S. marine farmers while also preserving the environment, local economies and public health. AQUAA will lead to increased U.S. seafood production that benefits ALL Americans. With quick action by the U.S. Congress, Americans may soon see marine aquaculture become a reality for the betterment of our businesses and of our citizens. Please contact us for more details on how AQUAA might benefit your constituents. Sincerely, Stronger America Through Seafood. Bill Taylor and Bill Dewey, Taylor Shellfish, Shelton, WA; Jessee Mitchell, Wenger, Sabetha, KS; Todd Madsen, Blue Ocen Mariculture, Kona, HI; Max Holtzman, Pontos Aqua Advisory, Washington, D.C.; Michael Cigliano, Santa Monica Seafood, Santa Monica, CA; Bill DiMento, High Liner Foods, Portsmouth, NH; Horace G. Dawson, Red Lobster Seafood Co., Orlando, FL; Mark Frisch, Sea Best, Inc., Jacksonville, FL; David Kelly, InnovaSea, Boston, MA; Chris Stock, Zeigler Bros., Inc., Gardners, PA; Kathryn Unger, Cargill, Wayzata, MN; Tony Dal Ponte, Pacific Seafood, Clackamas, OR; Sean O'Scannlain, Fortune International, Bensenville, IL; Brad Christie, Sysco, Houston, TX; Allen LeBalnc, Calysta, Menlo Park, CA; Omar Alfi, Pacifico Aquaculture, San Diego, CA.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Madam Speaker, on November 2, Colonel Anthony G. Polashek is retiring from the 934th Airlift Wing at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station in Minnesota after serving in the Air Force for 32 years. As Commander, he led the 1,500- member wing and supported our Armed Forces for resupply missions in forward areas and aeromedical and refugee evacuations. His command and leadership was critical in the defense of our country. Col. Polashek graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa before commissioning into the Air Force as a graduate of Officer Training School in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Col. Polashek served and was deployed to support operations including Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom. As a command pilot, he logged more than 5,800 flight hours including over 500 combat hours. He has received several prestigious awards for his service, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal. Today, I urge lawmakers to join me in thanking Col. Polashek for his 32 years of service in the United States Air Force and wish him well in future endeavors.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, it was my intention to vote yea on Representative Eliot Engel of New York's House Joint Resolution 77 (Roll Call Vote no. 560) on October 16, 2019. personal explanation

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor on H.R. 4297.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Madam Speaker, it was my intention to vote Nay on the Torres of California Part B Amendment No. 10 (Roll Call Vote No. 442) to H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. I would like to reflect my opposition to Ms. Torres' amendment to prohibit the administration from transferring oversight of export for some types of firearms, ammunition and related items from the U.S. Munitions List under the State Department's International Traffic In Arms Regulations to the Commerce Control List, under the Commerce Department's Export Administration Regulations.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 483) to enact into law a bill by reference, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lance Corporal Riley S. Kuznia of Karlstad, Minnesota who was tragically killed at the age of 20 from an accidental weapon discharge on January 1, 2019 at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. From a young age, Lance Corporal Kuznia wanted to serve in the military and committed himself to protecting our country. Lance Corporal Kuznia's leadership abilities were evident from the very beginning of his service. After graduating from Tri-County High School in 2017, he joined the Marine Corps within days of turning 18. He was soon serving on active duty at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., the oldest post of the Corps, and responsible for post security and policing at the barracks. According to the Star Tribune, the post's commanding officer, Colonel Don Tomich, said, ``Riley was a highly driven and goal-oriented Marine whose positive attitude set the example here at the barracks.'' It was clear that he loved serving in the Marine Corps, and he had a bright future ahead of him. I wish to extend my condolences to the family of Lance Corporal Kuznia. He was a bright young man whose discipline and commitment should be admired by this Congress.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 272.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, due to my attendance at the Presidential signing of H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 also known as the Farm Bill, I was unable to be present for several votes taken on December 20, 2018 on bills considered under suspension of the Rules. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 448; YEA on Roll Call No. 449; YEA on Roll Call No. 450; YEA on Roll Call No. 451; YEA on Roll Call No. 452; YEA on Roll Call No. 453; YEA on Roll Call No. 454; YEA on Roll Call No. 455; YEA on Roll Call No. 456; YEA on Roll Call No. 457; YEA on Roll Call No. 458; YEA on Roll Call No. 459; YEA on Roll Call No. 460; YEA on Roll Call No. 461; YEA on Roll Call No. 462; YEA on Roll Call No. 463; YEA on Roll Call No. 464; YEA on Roll Call No. 465; and YEA on Roll Call No. 466.

Mr. PETERSON

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report on H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The conference report we are considering today would reauthorize farm bill programs for 5 years. The 2014 farm bill expired on September 30, and while the road to get here has had a few bumps along the way, I am glad that we are finally able to reach an agreement, and now it is time to get this done. During a time when rural America is facing a downturn in the farm economy and a trade war that is taking a toll on crop, livestock, and dairy producers from coast to coast, this bill will provide needed certainty to farmers and ranchers. The bill continues a variety of commodity, conservation, trade, nutrition, credit, rural development, research, energy, and specialty crop programs. It also provides permanent mandatory funding for several of the programs that first got mandatory funding in the 2008 farm bill when I was last chairman. These include the Local Food and Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Value-Added Producer Grant Program, the BFRDP, Organic Research, and the Section 2501 Outreach Program. One of the most important pieces in this bill, however, is the improvement that it makes for our dairy farmers. The economic downturn in farm country has hit the dairy industry probably the hardest of all, and in my home State of Minnesota and neighboring Wisconsin, an average of two dairies are going out of business every day. The provisions in this bill will provide expanded, affordable coverage options and more flexibility for dairy farmers, and I am proud to put my name on this program. We are also providing $300 million in mandatory funding for animal disease programs at a time when our U.S. livestock industry is facing a continued danger from unchecked threats from different areas. That money will go to increasing our ability to prevent and respond to animal pests and diseases that harm our animals and threaten the viability of our livestock operations. There are folks who would have liked to have seen different directions taken on several issues in this bill, but this is a conference report where the House and Senate figure out where the common ground is. I am very appreciative of the hard work of the majority and its staff, as well as my staff under the direction of Anne Simmons and Troy Phillips. My staff put their whole selves into this bill, and I want to thank and commend them: Lisa Shelton, Keith Jones, Prescott Martin, Katie Zenk, Patrick Delaney, and special thanks to my former staffers who worked on the bill, Mary Knigge, Liz Friedlander, and Evan Jurkovich, and to Clark Ogilvie, who missed the farm bill so much that he came to the committee to help us finish it. Thank you also to Patti Ross in the leader's office and Tom Mahr in the whip's office for their help, and all the folks at USDA and CBO for their hard work in getting us to this point; also, the House and Senate legislative counsels who helped us put this bill together. So I think we have a good bill, a good compromise. I would encourage my colleagues to support this effort, and I look forward to continuing the discussion on many of these issues into the next Congress. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. David Scott), one of our subcommittee ranking members.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge), one of our subcommittee ranking members.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa), another one of our subcommittee ranking members.

Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).