49 



I do hope that you, working with us and the other committees of 

 jurisdiction, will take a major or at least educational stand to see 

 that we keep our people healthy. I think we are missing the boat if 

 we think we're going to solve the health care problem solely with 

 new taxes or containing the cost of the doctors or the hospitals. 

 That isn't going to do it. 



As for all the reasons that we live longer, I think we should have 

 people who live longer in a healthy and contributing manner. That 

 is going to be your responsibility. It begins with 50 percent of your 

 budget. We hope to work with you in that respect. 



Secretary Espy. If I can summarize, are you saying that we are 

 what we eat? [Laughter.] 



The Chairman. You are right. Sometimes we outdo ourselves be- 

 cause of the availability, thank God, in this country. 



We could stay on this subject forever, but remember what hap- 

 pened in the Soviet Union, what happened to our brethren in 

 Poland and Hungary when agriculture failed everything else went 

 down. Now that they have the ability to use a democratic process, I 

 think they will be able to get back on their feet. 



We will be working with them, but we begin here with the Amer- 

 ican people. 



We thank you. 



Mr. Volkmer. Mr. Chairman, are you starting a new phrase like 

 "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? 



The Chairman. It goes much further than that now. A genetical- 

 ly engineered onion from south Texas or something like that. 

 [Laughter.] 



Mr. Secretary, very seriously, we hope the good Lord has His 

 hand on your shoulder as you carry out the responsibility of your 

 office. 



Secretary Espy. Mr. Chairman, thank you for being here today. 

 Let the record reflect that I leave here with three items. One is a 

 green cap, another is your chart which has been personally auto- 

 graphed and handed to me, and the last is a lot of good will. I hope 

 that I continue to earn your trust not just because I am a former 

 member of this committee but because you know we have our pri- 

 orities straight. 



I promise to you in return that I will consult with you and Pat 

 Roberts and all the other members of this committee on a very reg- 

 ular basis on policies, procedures, and programs that we will insti- 

 tute in USDA. 



The Chairman. We will be here for you. 



If there is no other business at this point, and it will not disac- 

 commodate any of the other witnesses, we will stand recessed until 

 2 p.m. 



[Whereupon, at 12:30 p.m., the committee was adjourned to re- 

 convene at 2 p.m. the same day.] 



AFTERNOON SESSION 



The Chairman. The committee will be back in order. 



I apologize to our witnesses. The best laid plans often go astray 

 and we had a series of votes. I am informed here that someone 

 needed to leave promptly after 2 p.m., Mr. Huber. 



