Nancy L. Johnson: “The Constitution was finely written when they found a way for small States to be able to have a voice equal to big…”

“The Constitution was finely written when they found a way for small States to be able to have a voice equal to big States. So I understand the gentleman represents more farmers than I do, but it does not make the survival of any individual farm in Connecticut of any lesser value than the survival of a farm anywhere else in the country. That is all I am saying. What I want my colleagues to think about is that this approach, integrating this issue and solving it through the existing marketing order through a system that is voluntary, that I think could be made more flexible and responsive to consumer interests as we work on it and analyze it, offers the best hope that we have had so far to really recognize the needs of dairy farmers across America. The marketing order system is a one-size-fits-all. The reason we fight about dairy policy is because one size does not fit all anymore, and this amendment does offer us the opportunity, within a national umbrella, to begin to find a way for regions to manage in a way that supports farmers. That is our interest, to support farmers. So I am pleased that we do have a supply management provision in here. The compact has been successful at that. Most dairy policies nationally have not been successful at managing supply, and it has not cost the national taxpayers a dime. I urge my colleagues to give it a chance. Let us talk this out. Perhaps we can deal with it in the conference.”