I'm pleased that USDA can offer assistance to farmers and ranchers who have sustained losses from Hurricane Katrina, ... This agriculture disaster designation will enable eligible producers to apply for low-interest emergency loans from USDA to help cover their losses. This announcement is a part of our commitment to help farmers and ranchers to rebuild their operations.

This president has said this has to be a priority for our nation, protecting our food supply from terrorist acts, so he continues to provide the funding that is necessary.

Food safety involves everybody in the food chain.

The 2007 farm bill will affect America's entire agricultural community, so I believe our entire agricultural community should have a say in the process. I welcome input from across the nation about what is working and what we can do to improve farm policy.

This funding will purchase emergency response vehicles, radio gear, warning sirens, improve public safety facilities and upgrade communications systems, ... While these requests were submitted and approved before hurricane Katrina struck, these funds will contribute to rebuilding efforts and to the long-term commitment of the Bush Administration to prepare our nation to respond to emergencies of any kind.

I am encouraged by the resumption of grain movement along the Mississippi River just one week after grain transportation was virtually halted by Hurricane Katrina, ... Clearly, there is much work to be done but I am confident that remaining obstacles will be overcome to resume all activity in a timely manner. We are assuring our international customers that we expect minimal disruptions.