Release No. 0230.98 

Statement

                                of
             U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman
       on Final Passage of the Agriculture Research Bill
                          June 4, 1998

     "I want to thank Congress for listening to the American people and
passing the Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Act of 1998.  I
want to recognize the leadership of Senators Lugar and Harkin, as well as
Congressmen Stenholm and Smith in preserving a carefully crafted compromise
bill that funds a number of important agricultural and nutrition programs. 

     "President Clinton, Vice President Gore and I are very pleased that this
bill restores food stamp benefits for our nation's most vulnerable legal
immigrants -- children, seniors, those with disabilities, and veterans of U.S.
wars.  In the wealthiest and most agriculturally abundant nation on earth,
those who honor our laws and contribute to our society should be free from
hunger.

     "This bill also ensures that crop insurance is there for farmers who
need it.  No industry is more vulnerable to the whims of Mother Nature than
agriculture.  Every American has a stake in helping farmers survive the
economic blows of bad weather, so they can continue feeding us.

     "This bill also invests in cutting-edge agricultural research, which is
vital to farm productivity and income.  Agricultural research also benefits
consumers who value a more safe, abundant, affordable and nutritious food
supply and a cleaner environment -- all of which depend in good part on
scientific advances in how we produce our food.

     "If you look back over the history of major U.S. agricultural
legislation, you will see a recurring theme: helping farmers, helping the
hungry.  I am proud to see this bill, in its final form, carry on this
important tradition.  Because it does, it will make a valuable contribution to
our farmers, to hungry people, and to the moral fabric of our nation.  

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