| WASHINGTON - The U.S. House is scheduled to debate the new farm bill
next week, but rumors of amendments could spell trouble for getting a bill
passed this year. I am hopeful we're going to pass something in the
House," U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, R-Minn., said, but he expressed less
optimism about the bill's future in the Senate. Kennedy talked with 2nd
District reporters in a conference call Wednesday morning.
The House's bill complies with the budget guidelines adopted earlier
this year, he said, so funding for the bill shouldn't be a problem.
One amendment he's heard about would cut support programs in favor of
more conservation spending, he said.
While he's in favor of conservation programs, the amendment he's heard
about would gut the essence of the farm bill, Kennedy said. The
Agriculture Committee chairman would likely pull back the bill if the
amendment is attached, he added.
Regional dairy pricing disagreements could also derail the bill, he
said.
The Senate is just beginning hearings on a farm bill. Kennedy said he's
concerned that the Senate won't pass a farm bill before next year. If that
happens, he said, the bill could become bogged down in election year
politics.
"I'd rather deal with policy this year," he said.
Security measures
Kennedy said he believes the federal government will be involved in
many aspects of air travel security in the aftermath of the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks. That will include things like strengthening cockpit
doors and placing marshals on many flights.
This week, Kennedy proposed using state troopers as temporary sky
marshals until the program can be beefed up.
Kennedy's reasoning is that the troopers are already trusted law
enforcement officers who have undergone background checks.
Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Charlie Weaver said troopers used
for the program would probably be working on overtime because the state
needs them on the roads, as well, Kennedy said.
If states don't have enough troopers to dedicate to the program, he
said, perhaps retired troopers could be hired.
"I think this would be a great short-term measure to fill in the
gap," Kennedy said. |