Tom Harkin: “All I want to be satisfied about is that there will be enforceable standards in effect. From what I hear, I like it. I…”

“All I want to be satisfied about is that there will be enforceable standards in effect. From what I hear, I like it. I want the committee to be involved in advising the Secretary. If the Senator tells me that the present rules that have been promulgated are still enforceable during the pendency of that consultation, then I have no problem. But the language says USDA can only enforce a standard if it is ``promulgated with advice''. I am wondering what this means for the standards we have right now. I want to clear this up. Can the rules we have now be enforced? Or can only rules that are promulgated in the future be enforced with the advice of the committee? That is where we are hung up over these words. Words do have meaning. I will say again, if the interpretation is that the standards that are now in effect remain enforceable, and that any future rules adopted by the Secretary have to be done with the advice and consultation of the committee, I have no problem with that. Then we don't have a gap. And I hope that is the meaning.”