Max Baucus: “when we finally vote on the Agriculture appropriations conference report, I intend to vote for it essentially because…”

“when we finally vote on the Agriculture appropriations conference report, I intend to vote for it essentially because the bill provides so much that helps so many people, many of whom are in dire straits. I am referring specifically to a lot of the people living and working in farm communities in my State of Montana and throughout the Nation. I am especially pleased the bill provides $3.6 billion for weather-related disasters. The droughts and fires in my State, as well as other parts of the Nation, have been quite severe and, in many areas, devastating. This bill will help our citizens get through the most difficult times. I commend the Senator from Mississippi and others who have worked to help pass this bill. I want to mention a couple of points of this bill which I think are erroneous. I object strenuously to the provisions in the bill with respect to restrictions on food and medicine sales to Cuba and restrictions on the right of American citizens to travel to Cuba. Last July, I flew to Havana, along with my colleagues, Senator Roberts and Senator Akaka. It was a brief trip, but I returned from Havana more convinced than ever that it was time to end our outdated cold war policy toward Cuba. For example, I believe we should have normal trade relations with Cuba. We do not.”