Reauthorizing the Llivestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999
REAUTHORIZING THE LIVESTOCK MANDATORY REPORTING ACT OF 1999 -- (Senate - September 20, 2006)
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Mr. GRASSLEY. I also call on Chairman CHAMBLISS to help Senator HARKIN and me get much-needed answers to what USDA has done to implement the GAO recommendations. There has been a lack of believability regarding the information generated by the Livestock Mandatory Reporting program, many producers across Iowa and many parts of the Nation feel strongly that the information would be more valuable if the program had more credibility through improved transparency.
Mr. HARKIN. I do believe that some of the GAO recommendations would be better implemented if codified in law. Senator GRASSLEY and I provided numerous farm and livestock groups and the packing industry draft legislation that would address the GAO recommendations and other outstanding producer concerns. This process has been difficult and has taken considerable time given the complexity of issues and diversity of the groups. Since a full consensus was not reached among these parties, the legislative changes will not be approved this year. Senator GRASSLEY and I ask that Chairman CHAMBLISS be willing to help us achieve these needed legislative changes in the next Congress.
Mr. GRASSLEY. Last year, Senator HARKIN and I introduced legislation, that passed the Senate by unanimous consent, that would extend the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act for one-year to allow additional time to review the GAO recommendations and develop needed modifications to the law to improve the functioning and operation of the program. Unfortunately, the House refused to take up the bill and the law expired. I conditioned my support of any multi-year extension or revision of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting program on carrying out the GAO study results. Now we are at a crucial point with the legislative session coming to a close. Senator HARKIN and I realize that we are facing strong opposition from the packing industry on moving a Senate version that includes the GAO recommendations. I ask for assurances from Chairman CHAMBLISS that he will work with Senator HARKIN and me to move our proposed legislative changes forward.
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