Leonard L. Boswell: “I must recognize Mr. Arcuri and Mrs. Gillibrand for their great work. The farmers of their State ought to be very proud…”

“I must recognize Mr. Arcuri and Mrs. Gillibrand for their great work. The farmers of their State ought to be very proud that they have spoken out, and we have listened and we want to make things better. I want to thank them for this amendment that he has agreed to withdraw, and to say the following: that the moving renewable industry and its impact on feed cost has been something that the House Agriculture Committee has monitored closely. The Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry even held a hearing on this issue earlier this year. As the United States moves toward energy independence and a stronger renewable fuel base, the cost of production has increased for our producers. This issue affects my district especially, since it is one of the largest and a major ethanol producing area. We must work together, and we will work together, to find the balance between feed and fuel, and ensure that one important industry is not hurt by the other. So I encourage my distinguished colleague to withdraw his amendment, with the understanding that I will work with him in conference or wherever to make sure his concern about the cost of feed and fuel is incorporated in the final version of this bill for dairy producers.”