34 



discuss turf battles and turf problems because we can say that we 

 are a member of the team and he is the quarterback. 



So I would hope that while I expect some discussion about this, I 

 would hope that we can retain what we do in total as we move for- 

 ward to try to implement his programs. 



Mr. Glickman. With your public statements about seeing the 

 function of the Department as manyfold, particularly as it deals 

 with consumers' interests as well, I think you will help that proc- 

 ess along. 



I have a couple of things on reorganization. I know Mr. Stenholm 

 is going to be involved with it, but I am going to introduce a bill 

 similar to what I did last year. This bill consolidates ASCS, SCS, 

 Farmers Home, and Federal Crop Insurance into one agency, a 

 Farm Services Administration, so that farmers go to one group to 

 get their data and their information. I just hope you take a look at 

 it in this process. 



It may not be the perfect idea, but its goal is to make it easier 

 for farmers go to one office instead of three or four and have one 

 central place where they deal with the Federal Government. 



Secretary Espy. I think that is a good idea. 



Mr. Glickman. At one time, I thought there was somebody else 

 who might be down there. But I think you are the guy. [Laughter.] 



Secretary Espy. I reviewed the proposal and I have tried to call 

 you to discuss it and want to invite you to the same meeting. Your 

 idea is one with a lot of merit. 



Mr. Glickman. And then the final thing is more parochial. Let 

 me ask you this question on State ASCS farm home Directors State 

 committees. 



A lot of us would like to get those people staffed up in our States. 

 How should that be done? What is the best way for us to communi- 

 cate to you those people that we think ought to be in? For example, 

 the ASCS Directors, particularly, running the farm programs in 

 our individual States? 



I would like to not have hold-overs in that area stay on too long. 

 What do you suggest? 



Secretary Espy. Maybe I should invite the transition Director in 

 to answer that question. 



First of all, we had a change of administration, obviously, so 

 there will be some changes in personnel both in Washington and in 

 the field. My concern is that delivery of services would not be nega- 

 tively impacted out in the field. We are obviously moving forward 

 in our crop year and loans and payments have to be made. I didn't 

 want the farmer to suffer because someone was being vetted or 

 under scrutiny by the FBI. 



So right now I have asked the transition officials over at the 

 White House to implement the status quo, to let those that are 

 there stay, subject to termination by the Secretary. Some of them 

 desired not to remain under those circumstances and they have 

 gone. Some of them have decided to stay. 



For those who have gone, I can say to you honestly that the 

 State delegation should put forward a name because you are more 

 familiar with the personalities and the circumstances than I am. I 

 more likely than not will accept that name and put it forward to 

 the personnel office at the White House. 



