Opening Statements

Remarks as prepared:

Our next order of business is to consider a bill to reauthorize the United States Grain Standards Act.

As our grain standards program nears its 100th anniversary, we wish to recognize the importance this program has played in establishing value and price-discovery in the U.S. grain and oilseed marketplace.

U.S. competitiveness in global markets, as well as stakeholders ranging from farmers to end-users, benefit from state-of-the-art, market-responsive official inspection and weighing of bulk grains and oilseeds at export.

It is imperative that these services are provided in a reliable, uninterrupted, consistent and cost-effective manner.

This legislation represents bipartisan consensus.  I appreciate the hard work of Subcommittee Chairman Crawford, and that of the Ranking Member of the full committee, Mr. Peterson and the subcommittee, Mr. Walz, and now yield to Ranking Member Peterson for his comments.