Jeff Bingaman: “That letter makes some very strong points. The title of the letter is ``We're Sticking to Our Principles.'' It says the…”

“That letter makes some very strong points. The title of the letter is ``We're Sticking to Our Principles.'' It says the National Milk Producers Federation established the following principles to help assess whether a new dairy program meets that definition: No. 1, it must be national. No. 2, it must not discriminate between States and regions. No. 3, it must not discriminate between farmers by limiting payments based on herd size. No. 4, it must not cause competitive disadvantages or advantages between dairy farmers. And No. 5, it should not increase production to the point where overproduction eventually erodes the farm gate prices. On that basis they believe the amendment offered by Senator Crapo is the proper course. I urge that course of action on my colleagues.”