STATEMENT OF U.S. REP. JIM RAMSTAD
ON THE OMNIBUS SPENDING PACKAGE

As a Minnesotan, I cannot in good conscience vote for legislation that strikes a dagger in the heart of every Minnesota dairy farmer and consumer, increases spending by $35 billion and fails to address the serious inequities in Medicare payments to Minnesota seniors.

The unfortunate decision by the Republican leadership to add the price-fixing dairy cartel (Northeast Dairy Compact) to this appropriations bill is a real injustice to Minnesota dairy farmers and consumers. This price-fixing dairy cartel milks consumers 20 extra cents a gallon and unfairly penalizes Minnesota's 9,000 dairy farmers by giving higher subsidies to milk producers in northeastern states.

Also, I am very disappointed that this omnibus spending bill increases federal discretionary spending by $35 billion over last year. I cannot support this massive spending increase which represents a breakdown in fiscal responsibility.

While I support the Medicare funding restored by this omnibus bill, I deeply regret that the Medicare payment system was not changed to provide equity for Minnesota seniors and providers. The national disparity in Medicare reimbursement rates is a grave injustice to Minnesota's seniors. Congress and the President need to fix this problem to provide equity and fairness to Minnesota seniors and providers.