On the recordJune 19, 2012
I rise today to speak in favor of amendment No. 2396, a bipartisan amendment Senator Thune and I are offering to the farm bill. This amendment would make permanent the Office of Tribal Relations at the USDA. This office was created to ensure that the USDA upholds Federal Indian policy and maintains its government-to-government relationship with tribes. Permanently establishing this office will ensure that tribal governments can develop their programs in parity with their neighbors in rural America. It will ensure that the USDA consults with tribal governments and that tribes can participate in programs related to agricultural, infrastructure, and economic development opportunities. I encourage all my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment to the farm bill. I thank the Chair, I yield back the remainder of my time, and I call up amendment No. 2396. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the amendment. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Hawaii [Mr. Akaka] proposes an amendment numbered 2396.
