Herb Kohl

Tell us why you have concluded that MEP does not deserve to be funded at its previous level.

We should not shortchange or undercut this excellent program.

Everything we do here has a political aspect to it.

the MEP program is Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, a program which helps small and medium-size manufacturing firms.

to say it is fully funded is not accurate.

I know is supportive of MEP.

People in Wisconsin are really concerned about the loss of manufacturing jobs.

Senator Kohl, it was a pleasure to tour Bernston International with you last week in Madison.

MEP is one of the best Government investments around and it should be fully supported at the State and at the Federal level.

Policy is the most important thing we do.

This amendment will make the Boxer amendment virtually identical to the bipartisan child safety lock amendment that passed with 78 votes in 1999. Protecting our children from accidental shooting is a concern that crosses party lines, and I…

the proceeds of cigarette smuggling from low tax States has developed into a popular means of generating revenue for organized crime and even terrorist organizations. A recent investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and…

I would also concur, and would add that it would be my hope the Department would give particular consideration to farm income- enhancing projects that advance the statutory priority mission area related to small and medium-size farm…

I agree that the Department should fulfill their responsibility to give effect to all the provisions of the IFAFS program.

I would be pleased to assist you in any way with these worthy projects. Additionally, I will entertain the possibility of joining you in addressing the Secretary of Agriculture by way of a letter regarding these specific projects and, if…

I appreciate this unique effort to use a cooperative approach to get the most output out of each scarce research dollar appropriated to the winegrape and wine industry. I also look forward to working with the Senator on this issue, not…

I thank my colleagues from North Dakota for bringing this issue to our attention. I agree that such a study on conservation cropping systems in transitional climate areas would be very beneficial, particularly for farmers, and I would be…

The chairman and I understand the importance of this program to the Great Lakes region, and we will do what we can to support the House funding allocation for this program in conference.

Although funds are tight, we should work to determine how we can improve our Federal agro-terrorism defenses and work to help the States improve their efforts as well. The potential economic loss from such an event is huge. The danger to…

Senator Nelson, I appreciate you bringing this matter to my attention. I will work to include this provision during conference negotiations of this bill.

Yes, Senator Murray, I agree. Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention. I will work in conference to do what I can to support your request and to include language in the final statement of managers.

On behalf of our home State of Wisconsin, where 97 percent of the U.S. ginseng crop is produced, 85 percent of the country's ginseng being grown in Marathon County alone, I will happily engage in a colloquy.

I share my colleague from New Jersey's interest in this project and also urge the conferees on this bill to include this project in the conference report under the Renewable Energy Program.

I understand that in previous Agriculture Appropriations bills, the State of New York received a grant to try to curb this problem. What was that funding used for, and what needs remain?

This sounds like the type of initiative that should receive consideration under the Renewable Energy Program. I thank the Senator from New Jersey for bringing this program to my attention. As we proceed to conference, I will do what I can…