News Releases for November 2001
November 2, 2001
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Statement Of Governor John Hoeven In Response To Secretary Veneman's Remarks To ND Media
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Anne Veneman’s telephone news conference with North Dakota media:
"I am pleased that Agriculture Secretary Veneman has emphasized the administration’s support for Congressional efforts to enact effective long-term farm legislation. The administration indicates that it is working with the U.S. Senate in developing a good farm bill. I am encouraged that her remarks reflect an improvement in the tone of the administration’s commitment to passing solid farm legislation. I will continue to press for a bill this year.
I have been, and continue to be, committed to working with the Congress and the White House to create the best possible farm bill for North Dakota. To that end, Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple and I were in Washington last week advancing the farm bill agenda. We met with top Senate and administration officials, including President Bush, to emphasize the importance of addressing effective farm policy legislation as soon as possible.
It seems evident that the administration recognizes the importance of good, sound farm policy. Currently, Congress is working on an economic stimulus package, and a solid farm bill can be the fiscal spur the country needs right now.
My administration continues to work very hard to pass a new farm bill soon, and we believe the Senate can improve on the House version of the farm bill passed early last month. We will further engage top Bush administration officials, agriculture leaders in the U.S. Senate and House of Representative, as well as commodity group leadership to develop and pass the right kind of farm legislation this session.
It is clear that the Senate needs to move forward with passing a farm bill this year. They need to maintain a solid bipartisan and inclusive effort that will offer a long-term safety net for our country’s farmers.
Writing good farm policy for North Dakota and America isn’t a contact sport - - it’s a team sport. Everyone has role to play in getting solid farm legislation on track. This is a time for bipartisan action, and there is a role for everyone whose heart and mind are committed to passing a good far bill for America’s farmers.”
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