We share the concerns of players that progress is too slow, but forming a union is not the answer.

I think these both provisions, I know Senator Chambliss worked on one of these very important.

To hit the lowest unemployment rate in 5-1/2 years is a positive sign.

I think we all know it was not an easy task and I thank the Chairwoman and our Ranking Member and everyone that was involved in.

I look forward to your testimony on the short-term and long-term issues facing our economy.

The average age of a farmer in Minnesota is now 56 years old, and what we did here was reduced the cost of insurance by 10 percent for young farmers and ranchers in the first five years.

The Farm Bill, as you know, included a significant compromise between Ag organizations and wildlife organizations that extends conservation protections to the crop insurance program.

The recovery has not been as fast as we would like, but I will say that after a long, hard winter it is good news that the employment numbers are picking up.

What is the USDA doing to ensure that the margin insurance rules reward farmers for taking prudent risk management steps?

The economy has added jobs for 50 consecutive months.

The national unemployment rate of 6.3 percent has dropped almost 4 percentage points since the height of the downturn.

I actually got a provision in the Farm Bill for a joint study with USDA and the Department of Transportation to examine rural transportation issues including captive shipping issues.

I do not think I need to tell you. I know you know what a hard time diary producers have had over the last few years with the high feed prices, the volatile export market.

I would echo what some of my colleagues talked about with the Highway Trust Fund and how important that is.

I worked hard with several of my colleagues to ensure that the Recreational Trails Program was preserved in MAP-21.

I reserve the right to object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Minnesota.

Mr. President, I would like to thank the leader for his superb leadership on tourism. Anyone who represents the State of Nevada understands how important tourism is to our States and to our country. The leader knows it is not just about…

I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Hirono). The Senator from Utah.