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About Stephanie |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REP. HERSETH TO QUESTION USDA OFFICIALS AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON BSE TESTS, SEEKS INPUT FROM SOUTH DAKOTANS Will meet with Ranchers, Consumers, Retailers in South Dakota this weekend; Announces Toll Free Line for Constituents to Share Thoughts On USDA’s Handling of BSE False Positive July 7, 2004, Washington, DC – In response to concerns over the USDA’s handling of recent false positives for BSE, the House Agriculture Committee will be holding a joint hearing to question USDA officials about their system of surveillance and the release of false positive test results. Representative Stephanie Herseth, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, will participate in the hearing and ask questions of the USDA officials before the committee. The joint hearing will be held by the Committees on Agriculture and Government Reform on Wednesday, July 14th at 10:00am EST. In advance of that hearing, Rep. Stephanie Herseth is asking for input from South Dakotans about the BSE surveillance program and suggestions for its future. As part of the effort, Herseth will meet with South Dakota producers, consumers, retailers and other affected parties this weekend in South Dakota. She has also established a toll-free number for any South Dakotan to call her office and express their opinion on BSE testing and other related matters: (866) 371-8747. “It’s important that USDA understands the concerns of South Dakota producers, consumers and retailers, and that our questions are answered,” Herseth said. “I look forward to meeting with and listening to interested parties across South Dakota, and then sharing their concerns in the Agriculture Committee hearing. Herseth noted that this issue is important to South Dakota’s largest industry, and she expressed her hope that many will contact her on her toll free line or at her meetings this weekend. Herseth said, “While transparency is important in the beef industry, it’s also important to avoid unnecessary market fluctuation based on preliminary information. The price of beef impacts our entire state, and I will communicate the views of South Dakotans to Secretary Veneman and USDA.” # # #
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Washington, DC 331 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2801 Fax: (202) 225-5823 |
Sioux Falls 326 East 8th Street, Suite 108 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: (605) 367-8371 Fax: (605) 367-8373 |
Rapid City 1823 West Main Street Rapid City, SD 57702 Phone: (605) 394-5280 Fax: (605) 394-5282 |
Aberdeen 10 6th Ave, SW Aberdeen, SD 57401 Phone: (605) 626-3440 Fax: (605) 626-3441 Toll Free: (866) 371-8747 |