Roberts, 2-3-93, f>°^e 3 



There is the matter of late payments and the bleak prospect of 

 no additional shipments of U.S. commodities to Russia before the 

 end of the wheat marketing year, depressed prices at the country 

 elevator, increased budget exposure, and a further deterioration of 

 the Russian economy. We must develop new options and we look 

 forward to working with you. 



One final point. We have all been closely watching and 

 studying the efforts to "restructure" the USDA. This issue must be 

 approached with common sense and with facts — and to date, with 

 all due respect to some of my colleagues here and more especially 

 in the Senate — much of the commentary and criticism has simply 

 not been factual. We must be resolute in our position to ensure 

 that the USDA can continue to fulfill its mission: helping 

 agriculture feed and clothe this nation and a troubled and hungry 

 world. 



Our goal should be to strengthen USDA's ability to accomplish 

 its mission, not subservient to other departments, agencies and 

 committees who place farm income and the economic viability of 

 rural America far down their priority lists. 



(Attachment follows:) 



