David Minge: “I rise to support the bill that is under consideration and the Thune amendment. The area of Minnesota which I represent…”

“I rise to support the bill that is under consideration and the Thune amendment. The area of Minnesota which I represent is one of the hardest hit by this spring's flooding. The work, the spirit of the local officials, the residents, the volunteers, State and local officers, and others have prevailed in our area's recovery. This is a tribute to all of this hard work. I also wish to signal my support for the Smith point of order that would strike the limitation on the Conservation Reserve Program. This is an important program for our country. It ought to be allowed to move ahead as the U.S. Department of Agriculture is implementing it. I rise today to commend the community leaders, volunteers, and public servants of flood ravaged communities along the Minnesota River. The flooded communities in my district will begin to put their lives back together with the passage of the fiscal year 1997 emergency supplemental appropriations bill before the House today. From treacherous November windstorms, to unprecedented January snowstorms, to the flood of the century, Minnesota weather has certainly tested our wills. Cleanup and recovery efforts from the floods have just begun. I have held numerous town meetings in flood- ravaged areas along the Minnesota River, and I have seen that, in the true Minnesota spirit, folks are moving on with their lives with their heads held high. The passage of this bill today is a long-awaited, important step toward recovery.”