Jon Tester: “I wish to engage my colleague, Chairwoman Mikulski, in a colloquy. I thank the Senator for her important work in…”

“I wish to engage my colleague, Chairwoman Mikulski, in a colloquy. I thank the Senator for her important work in bringing this bill to the Senate. However, I would like clarification on Section 735 of Division A of the bill. This provision requires that the Secretary of Agriculture, if requested, issue temporary permits or temporary deregulation in the event a genetically engineered crop deregulation is set aside or vacated as unlawful. As you know, I oppose this provision and have deep concerns about its impact. I wish to confirm my understanding, even though this provision does not operate through a restriction of funds in this act, it is in effect only for the duration of the continuing resolution.”