Max Baucus: “Thank you, Senator Kerry. I would also like to thank you for all of your efforts in helping both in the Committee and on…”

“Thank you, Senator Kerry. I would also like to thank you for all of your efforts in helping both in the Committee and on the floor to draft a strong bill that addresses the needs of America's businesses, farmers, and workers. It was certainly my intent as Chairman of the Finance Committee and the lead conferee on the part of the Senate to make fishermen eligible for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program. It is my understanding that Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers covers all commodities (including livestock) in the raw or natural state. The Trade Act of 1978, defines the term ``livestock'' to cover not only cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry (including egg-producing poultry), and equine animals used for food or in the production of food, but also ``fish used for food.'' Also, the Food for Peace program, otherwise known as P.L. 480, includes ``fish'' under its definition of ``agricultural commodity.''”