Max Baucus: “I thank our colleagues from Florida, Senator Graham and, in particular in this case, Senator Nelson. They are really…”

“I thank our colleagues from Florida, Senator Graham and, in particular in this case, Senator Nelson. They are really good Senators. Senators are elected to defend the interests of their State and defend their people and try to help economic growth and development in their States. We all do that, all of us as Members of the Senate. For those folks in Florida who may be watching and are interested in this subject, I want them to know that their two Senators are doing a great job. I hear from Senator Nelson and Senator Graham constantly on this issue: What we can do; how can we work this out; how can we compromise; what can we do to help here. I commend the two of them for their very strong, valiant effort. This is a subject with which we are wrestling. We have to make a judgment as to where we draw the line with respect to helping protect industries and products in our own country and States. The real question is, What about agricultural products which are by their nature sensitive? Under current law, the President does not on his own have the authority to reduce tariffs on such products. He has to get the approval of Congress.”