James M. Jeffords: “this week Senator Leahy and I addressed the Senate about our concerns and disappointment with the recent order by the…”

“this week Senator Leahy and I addressed the Senate about our concerns and disappointment with the recent order by the U.S. District Court of Minnesota which enjoined the Secretary of Agriculture from enforcing class I differentials in 28 of the current 33 Federal milk marketing orders. If the November 3, 1997, ruling stands, it will throw the entire milk pricing system into chaos threatening the continued existence of thousands of dairy farms nationwide. Mr. President, it is imperative that Secretary Glickman move immediately to seek a stay and file an appeal to the court's decision. I am joining several of my colleagues in a letter to Secretary Glickman to formally request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture appeal the decision. I urge others to contact Secretary Glickman to recommend that he act swiftly in this request as well. This ruling should not impact the current reforms of the Federal milk marketing orders with respect to the basic formula price and class I differentials. It is important that the Department of Agriculture continue to use sound public policy in determining a pricing structure that is in the best interest of dairy farmers and consumers alike.”