Robert C. Byrd

It is right here in plain language.

Do you not think that there is a responsibility to pursue the course set out by the Congress, through the workings of its two Appropriations committees in the Senate and the House, respectively, according to their instructions in the…

This is not something new, and the very distinguished Secretary knows that, because I added $1.25 million to the fiscal year 2001 Supplemental Appropriations Bill.

There is a manifest need, a great need, for these inspectors.

No, you did not. With all respect, I do not want to appear to be discourteous but I listened carefully.

We talked about this a year ago. I think we talked about it 2 years ago.

What is the intention of the USDA with regard to hiring at least 50 new humane slaughter inspectors?

I often comment, Mr. Chairman, that our country has been able to put a man on the moon and bring him back to Earth safely, but it has never been able to perfect a public address system.

I will be pursuing this with interest, and I hope that the Department will proceed expeditiously to get the 50 new humane slaughter inspectors on board.

The uncertainty at the employee level as to how agency outsourcing will evolve is having a horrific effect on morale.

You have been very patient. My experience over my 45 years on this committee is that the Chairman is usually left to the last.

I appreciate what you said.

Let us carry out that commitment, and I think that we may as well put it into the bill.

These 17 veterinary inspectors do not count toward the 50.

I am really surprised that we have to talk about this a second time.

How many are on board at this time?

Let me repeat the question.

What is the intention of the USDA with regard to hiring at least 50 new humane slaughter inspectors with the funding it has been provided?

However, as the article revealed, many slaughterhouses do not abide by the humane practices outlined in the Federal law.

Two years ago The Washington Post detailed the inhumane treatment of livestock in our Nation's slaughterhouses.

In the fiscal year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, $5 million was secured for the hiring of at least 50 new humane slaughter inspectors within the Food Safety Inspection Service at the USDA.

I also want to thank my colleague, Senator Stevens, the chairman of the full committee, for his contribution today.

I am opposed to entitlements in appropriations bills.

As the Administration's voice on economic policy, would you tell the committee whether the Administration believes that it is important to provide support to our manufacturing businesses through this key initiative?

With all respect, you are the Administration's point man on economic and fiscal policy.