Herb Kohl: “I rise to join Senator Reed and Senator Chafee in expressing my concern about this outbreak of Low-Path Avian Influenza…”

“I rise to join Senator Reed and Senator Chafee in expressing my concern about this outbreak of Low-Path Avian Influenza in Rhode Island. This disease has resulted in substantial losses in poultry producers in several states and, in response, Congress has previously directed APHIS to help poultry producers cover costs associated with depopulating infected flocks. I agree with the importance of doing what we can to prevent avian influenza from threatening the livelihood of poultry operations in Rhode Island and southern New England. I will work with the distinguished subcommittee chairman and try to include language in the fiscal year 2004 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to ensure that APHIS provides assistance with depopulation of infected flocks in Rhode Island.”