Trent Lott: “I was under the impression we had already done the Agriculture appropriations bill for this fiscal year, and it did…”

“I was under the impression we had already done the Agriculture appropriations bill for this fiscal year, and it did include some disaster and drought money. That conference is meeting right now, or will be meeting during the day and has been meeting, to make sure we are giving proper consideration to the negative impact of low prices on agriculture in America and also to assess as best we can the impact of the drought. The Senate has already considered that. It was subject to amendment. We do also wish to make sure bankruptcy laws are applicable and necessary action is taken. I know Senator Grassley is working, along with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to make sure the bankruptcy laws and their benefits are available to our farmers. We certainly are working very aggressively to try to make sure we address these problems appropriately. I don't think we need to revisit a whole number of amendments in this area on the bankruptcy bill itself. I think when we get to bankruptcy we should be on bankruptcy and not use that as an 'in basket' for every problem that may be on some Member's mind. However, I think I have answered the question. We are working on agriculture needs. Hopefully, within the week we will have an agreement, and we will be voting on that bill either later on this week or early next week.”