Senators Gets Wish, GIPSA Hearing Scheduled
KTIC 840 Rural Radio
Last month - the ranking Democrat on the Senate Ag Committee - Iowa's Tom Harkin - along with a bi-partisan group of 11 other Senators - officially asked Committee Chairman Saxby Chambliss to hold hearings on USDA's Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration - better known as GIPSA.
On Tuesday - Harkin's request was answered - when Chambliss announced a hearing to review USDA management and oversight of the Packers and Stockyards Act.
Harkin's request for a hearing came after a USDA Inspector General report said GIPSA had never enforced the Packers and Stockyards Act - had faked enforcement efforts - and even actively squelched the efforts of GIPSA employees who tried to enforce the law. Ultimately - the report saw a need for significant improvements in GIPSA management, planning and policy formulation.
The Committee will meet next Thursday - March 9th - at 9:30 Central time. Members will hear from GIPSA Administrator Jim Link - USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong - and GAO Acting Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Team Daniel Bertoni.
kticam.com