Saxby Chambliss: “the amendment I am offering has a very focused and modest reform objective--specifically, to accelerate by 60 days the…”

“the amendment I am offering has a very focused and modest reform objective--specifically, to accelerate by 60 days the date on which USDA may increase the import quota, if in the agency's judgment such action is needed to adequately supply the Nation's demand for sugar. The current farm bill prohibits the USDA from adjusting the minimum sugar quota imports until April 1 of the crop year unless there is an emergency shortage of sugar that is caused by war, flood, hurricane, or other natural disaster, or other similar event as determined by the Secretary. Experience with the April 1 date has been very unsatisfactory to independent domestic sugar refiners and their refined sugar customers who have annually experienced shortfalls in the supply of sugar and endured the elevated prices that ensue from inadequacy of timely supply. The April 1 date leaves precious little time in the balance of the sugar crop year for USDA's complex bureaucratic process. I ask support for this amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired. The Senator from Michigan.”