Mark Kennedy: “the concern that we have, having met with the administrator, the funds have run out for this year some time ago. They…”

“the concern that we have, having met with the administrator, the funds have run out for this year some time ago. They have other diseases where they have sort of known expiration funds that they can give assurance. But there is no assurance that funds would be released by OMB from CCC to provide this. Our farmers are telling us, as you know, farmers can take time to be concerned, that they just don't even want to test their animals because they know there isn't assured indemnity funds out there. So given the current status we are at today, where we are out of indemnity funds, farmers are concerned that their concern and their lack of confidence in the program being there could result in them making decisions that would delay identification of TB. I recognize the issues that the chairman has brought up, but I do believe that given the heightened importance of this, that I think we need to proceed. I would also point out, as I mentioned, that when Texas was vitally concerned, we had $44 million back in 2000. Yes I do commend the increase, but I do believe this further increase remains being called for.”