Hearings to examine perspectives on reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

2025-07-29

Source: Congress.gov

Summary

The meeting focused on the critical need to reauthorize components of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, which are set to expire at the end of September [ 00:19:20 ] . Chaired by Senator John Boozman, the discussion featured expert witnesses who emphasized the importance of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) in maintaining market integrity and global trust in U.S. agricultural exports [ 00:19:27 ] . Attendees highlighted the Act's role in ensuring quality service for farmers and the grain value chain, advocating for a timely and bipartisan reauthorization [ 00:21:15 ]

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Themes

Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was highly constructive, collaborative, and emphasized strong bipartisan support for the reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act [ 00:21:41 ]

. Speakers consistently highlighted the urgency and importance of the Act . They also expressed gratitude for the witnesses' expertise and contributions [ 00:21:04 ] . The atmosphere was respectful, with an evident commitment to working together to ensure the continued integrity and modernization of the U.S. grain inspection system .

Participants

Transcript

Good afternoon. It's my privilege to call the hearing in order. Senator Klobuchar will be with us in just a few minutes. The only thing we've got to do around here is vote. And we've got a lot of people down there doing the second vote right now. But we do want to, I know you all are busy and there's just so much going on right now as we wrap up this week. So I think we're going to go ahead and get started. It's my privilege to call the hearing to order. I thank my colleagues for joining us and the witnesses before us taking the time to be here today. Today we will consider three perspectives from expert witnesses regarding the need to reauthorize critical components of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, which are set to expire at the end of September. From farmers to consumers... Our nation's partners, our nation's agriculture system relies on the critical weighing and inspection services provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Federal Grain Inspection Service and partner agencies across the country. These services facilitate the timely marketing of high-quality U.S. grain into the global marketplace and help set the U.S. apart as a trusted, consistent, and reliable source for the world's grain needs. Mr. Friant, Ms. Mikish, and Mr. Wipfi. Did I get that right? Wipfi. Well, you're like me. You're used to be called everything. Your testimony today will help inform us how we can best proceed. We appreciate the engagement for you and your organizations. As I always say, the best ideas come from the ground up. We'll also be working with USDA to ensure our farmers and the grain value chain continue to

to receive excellent, to receive quality service, and that USDA has the authority and flexibility it needs to adequately respond to any issue that may arise. I look forward to working with Ranking Member Klobuchar, members of this committee, and the stakeholders who depend on the U.S. grain standards functioning properly to ensure a timely, productive, and bipartisan reauthorization of this act. Thank you all again for being here today. As I said, Senator Klobuchar will be with us in just a little bit. And so... We will go ahead, though, and proceed with our introductions. Yeah. We were just about to introduce Mr. Friant, and so I think you're going to do that for us.

Amy Jean Klobuchar

All right. A few words. So sorry I'm late, but we were doing our caucus event. And I also am going to have to leave a little early. But I'm really excited that you're having this hearing, Mr. Chairman, and to focus on the grain inspection system. And I'd especially like to welcome Mr. Nick Friant from Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was joined here today by his daughter Clara as well. Where are you, Clara? Right back there. Thank you. Good school experience there to bring home. What did she say? It's pretty good. Yeah, exactly.

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