Dick Lugar: “I also concur with their interpretation which follows and would expect that these agricultural provisions be carried out…”

“I also concur with their interpretation which follows and would expect that these agricultural provisions be carried out consistent with this description. The Committee recognizes the critical importance of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center to the safety and security of animal agriculture in the United States. The Committee expects that the transfer of this foreign animal disease facility to the new DHS shall be completed in a manner that minimizes any disruption of agricultural research, diagnostic or other USDA activities. Likewise, the Committee expects that funds that have and continue to be appropriated for the maintenance, upgrade, or replacement of agricultural research, diagnostic and training facilities at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center shall continue to be expended for those purposes. The Committee shares the goal of expanding the capabilities of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.”