On the recordJune 4, 2013
I object. Reserving the right to object, I have some difficulty with the amendment the Senator from Arizona wishes to discuss. I have been trying to get a vote on amendment No. 1113 on flood insurance, and one of the Members from the other side is holding it up. So until we get things worked out--and I hope the Senator from Arizona will appreciate the predicament we are in. I am happy for the Senator to discuss his amendment, but to call up an amendment and to then vote on it, I would have to object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I appreciate the Senator from Louisiana allowing me to discuss my amendment. I am deeply appreciative. This amendment would eliminate a proposed catfish inspection program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA. The Government Accountability Office, GAO, warns that this catfish program will be ``duplicative'' and ``wasteful'' of federal resources. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues who have cosponsored this amendment: Senators Shaheen, Crapo, Coburn, Cantwell, Murray, Warner, Ayotte, Risch, Kirk, Lautenberg, and Inhofe. Mr. President, I will ask to add the following senators as cosponsors to this amendment: Senators Whitehouse, Reed, Heller, and Cowan. When Congress passed the 2008 Farm Bill, a small provision was quietly added in conference that requires USDA to establish an office to inspect catfish. Just catfish.…





