Larry Craig: “just a few moments ago, the Senate Agriculture Committee marked up what will be known as the Senate's version of the…”

“just a few moments ago, the Senate Agriculture Committee marked up what will be known as the Senate's version of the reorganization of the United States Department of Agriculture. For over 40 years, this marvelous, old establishment of our Government has gone relatively unchanged. And I think most of us agree that to keep pace with modern times, it is appropriate we do look at changing the structure. Secretary Espy brought a managed plan for change before us. We have looked at it and proposed restructuring. In doing so, I think it is important we in this country do not forget that this phenomenal ability we have to produce food is a result of the productive capacity of American agriculture, and that this productivity has come about because Congress has given America's farmers support in their efforts to produce, and also to do so in an environmentally sound way. We must ensure that our effort to reorganize does not destroy the magic of the American agriculture system, which has become the envy of the world. The basis of this magical productivity, or capacity to produce, has largely been embodied in private property and the ability of individuals to own and manage private property to their benefit and to that of the rest of the country. We must ensure that, by our actions, the ability of the people to manage their private property is unfettered.”