Kent Conrad: “I rise to briefly address two questions: No. 1, the question of a waiver for Ambassador Barshefsky; and, No. 2, the…”

“I rise to briefly address two questions: No. 1, the question of a waiver for Ambassador Barshefsky; and, No. 2, the approval of Ambassador Barshefsky as our trade representative. Mr. President, I represent the State of North Dakota. We are right next to Canada. The question of a waiver for Ambassador Barshefsky relates to the question of her previous representation of Canada on trade issues, and that requires a waiver if she is to become our trade representative. Mr. President, anyone who has worked with Ambassador Barshefsky understands her full commitment and dedication to the trade interests of the United States. My State has been involved in a longstanding dispute with Canada with respect to unfairly traded Canadian grain coming into this country at below their cost and having a devastating effect on the farmers of my State, not only the producers in North Dakota but farmers in Montana, farmers in South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska. Charlene Barshefsky has stood with us shoulder to shoulder to get a fair result.”