October 14, 1966
Page 26885
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the present consideration of the report?
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the report.
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I wish to speak in support of this legislation designed to provide a new and effective weapon against world hunger.
I fully support this legislation. I testified in support of the bill in hearings held before the Senate Commerce Committee. I believe that FPC provides the key to utilization of a vast protein food potential, unharvested fish from the oceans.
I regret that the House did not support the Senate recommendation of five pilot plants. The construction of one plant and operation of one leased plant is not, in my opinion, sufficient to get the job done. Much research needs to be undertaken before the cost of production can be brought to the point where it is economically feasible.
The engineering feasiblity of bringing the cost of production as low as 14 cents a pound has been developed. Extensive practical experimentation must be conducted before this result can be achieved.
Adoption of the Senate bill would have permitted the construction and maintenance of five plants placed in localities where operations would yield maximum information and guidance for the establishment of a full-scale industry.
The pending bill is not adequate to accomplish the job. I am hopeful that the Senate Commerce Committee will reconsider this entire issue in the 90th Congress. I plan to introduce legislation to authorize Government operation of three additional plants. With the recent discussions concerning a worldwide food shortage, it is obvious that this is an investment which should and must be made.
Mr. BARTLETT. Mr. President I move the adoption of the conference report.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the conference report.
The conference report was agreed to.