Crop Insurance for the 21st Century Act 
                                           Release No. 0085.99 

Statement
                               by

             Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman
        on the Crop Insurance for the 21st Century Act 
        Sponsored by Senators Bob Kerrey and Pat Roberts
                         March 4, 1999

     "I am pleased that Senators Bob Kerrey and Pat Roberts have put forth a
bipartisan proposal to revamp the federal crop insurance program. 

     "The Crop Insurance for the 21st Century Act raises many of the same
themes and needs that we've advocated addressing.  They include affordable and
accessible insurance made widely available, speeding new insurance products to
market, a plan to help farmers affected by multi-year losses and allowing
federally sponsored livestock coverage.

     "The current farm crisis is a vivid illustration of the importance of
stitching a sturdy farm safety net that includes a strong crop insurance
program that farmers can rely on.  I believe that this bill establishes a
strong basis for working together toward meaningful crop insurance reform this
year." 



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