On the recordJune 19, 2012
Madam President, I am calling up this amendment, which is very simple. It is about two things: First of all, it would increase the frequency of so-called dairy price reporting that goes on already. The Department of Agriculture does this reporting on a rather frequent basis. We are just going to suggest that we codify, or make law, what the USDA is already doing. So, first, it would increase the frequency of reporting from ``no less than once a month'' to ``more than once a month.'' So it just puts into law what is already in practice. Secondly, this amendment would require the USDA to study--only to study--the feasibility of having two classes of milk as opposed to four. This would help clarify whether folks who want to do that--it requires that study. But, particularly, in the first part of the amendment, we need to make sure our farmers have as much information about pricing to help the farmers themselves, dairy buyers, and dairy suppliers. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired. Who yields time? The Senator from Kansas.





