Opening Statement by

Chairman Richard G. Lugar

United States Senator for Indiana

April 6, 20000

The Committee is holding this hearing today to review interstate shipment of state-inspected meat and poultry.

This is not a new issue. Small plants that have operated under state inspection programs have long advocated interstate shipment of state-inspected meat and poultry. Plants located near the border with another state have been particularly supportive of this change because of the potential for increased markets for their products. Producers have been supportive because of the potential for additional markets for their livestock and poultry.

At the end of last year's session, Senators Daschle and Hatch introduced legislation (S. 1988) which would permit interstate shipment of state-inspected meat and poultry. This legislation was based on a concept paper developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and endorsed by the National Advisory Committee for Meat and Poultry Inspection.

We have the opportunity today before this Committee to hear of support for this legislation and to air any concerns about this approach to allow interstate shipment of state-inspected meat and poultry. We will receive testimony from Senator Hatch, an advocate of interstate shipment of state inspected meat and poultry. We are also pleased to hear the U.S. Department of Agriculture's perspective from Deputy Secretary Rominger. Finally, a panel of witnesses will testify including representatives of the State Departments of Agriculture, producer groups, meat processors, and consumers. I offer a special welcome to a fellow Hoosier, Harry Pearson, representing the American Farm Bureau Federation.

We welcome all witnesses and look forward to receiving their testimony.

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