Border inspectors: closer scrutiny

I asked Chairman Collin Peterson about the issue of border inspectors and the amendment by Rep. Dennis Cardoza to transfer them back to USDA from DHS. Although objections were raised by DHS and the amendment was withdrawn, Peterson's supports Cardoza in this and said he has done some investigative work on the issue. Expect hearings and perhaps release of some of the investigative findings in the not too distant future, Peterson said.

Peterson comes off as the ultimate pragmatist. Speaking about both the Administration's version of the farm bill, Peterson noted it probably was full of good ideas....but without a constituency to support your ideas, your plan fails.

Peterson likeways made the point about Sen. Harkin's focus on CSP, or the Conservation Security Program. While Harkin loves the program, it hasn't built up a constituency and Harkin is having a hard time rallying support within his own committee.