Byron Dorgan: “I commend Senators Cochran and Bumpers for the excellent bill they crafted to fund many crucial programs affecting…”

“I commend Senators Cochran and Bumpers for the excellent bill they crafted to fund many crucial programs affecting American agriculture. They have done a superb job of balancing the competing yet meritorious interests covered in this legislation. It was a pleasure working with them as a new member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and I thank them for the generous way in which they responded to my requests to ensure that the needs of North Dakota farmers and ranchers were addressed. There is one issue which was not addressed in this bill which is of great concern to me. I hope it will be addressed in conference. The buildings and facilities account of the Cooperative State Research, Extension, and Education Service received no funding in this bill. While I understand the chairman's desire not to continue to fund this construction account, I think it is unfair not to fulfill our responsibilities to complete the projects in the pipeline.”