Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 - Continued

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2004—CONTINUED

Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, let me say that I agree with everything the Senator has said about the importance of the Delmarva Conservation Corridor Demonstration Program.

In addition to your comments, I would only add a request to our colleagues who have been working on this Agriculture appropriations bill that they be made aware that the 2002 Farm bill included specific language that authorized the Secretary to develop this program with the intent that it would provide a benefit not just to the three states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, but also to other programs being considered throughout the country. The lessons learned from work on the Delmarva Conservation Corridor will improve similar efforts elsewhere.

Conferees should also be made aware that their colleagues in the House agree that the intent of the provision was to allow the Secretary of Agriculture and the States appropriate flexibility in using the resources of existing agricultural conservation and forestry programs. In supporting this program during the farm bill, it was not our intent, nor is it today, to require new or earmarked funding. The USDA has not yet implemented this program because of what I believe is a misunderstanding regarding the concept of the program and the congressional intent contained within the farm bill. This confusion should be resolved so that this example of effective conservation policy can be realized.