S1752SEP30

TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending September 30, 2005

S.1752 A bill to amend the United States Grain Standards Act to reauthorize that Act.

BRIEF

This bill is more noted for what it does not do rather than what it does. It is a traditional extension of the US Grain Standards Act that includes that the responsibility for weighing and assessing the quality of US grain exports be carried out by the Federal government. The bill opposes a previously passed Senate bill, S 1582 that would continue the program but would provide for the possibility of the weighing and assessing jobs being conducted by a private sector business entity.

Bill supporter, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) explained Senate’s concern about private companies inspecting and weighing grain before export, “The current system of grain inspections works well and gives foreign customers confidence to buy agricultural products from the United States.” said Harkin. “It would be a risky proposition to turn our inspection process over to private firms whose business depends on the good favor of the grain companies they are inspecting.”

Sponsor: Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent September 22, 2005. Passed House by voice vote. Signed by President Bush as Public Law 109-83. September 30, 2005

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.