The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“USDA RULEMAKING REVISIONS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S7143 on Dec. 2, 2020.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
USDA RULEMAKING REVISIONS
Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I want to tell my colleagues about a disappointment I have in some U.S. Department of Agriculture recent revisions of a proposed rule.
Here is the background: I have long fought to strengthen the safety net so that Iowa family farmers and other farmers are protected from natural disasters or other unforeseen events that they have no control over, like flooding or wind storms.
Family farmers work hard to make sure that Americans have food on the table. These same family farmers operate on very thin margins. These farmers ought to qualify for help during tough times since losing these operations would risk our Nation's food supply.
However, taxpayers and nonfarm State lawmakers may stop supporting a Federal farm safety net if spending programs aren't held accountable or left unchecked. Losing urban support for this farm safety net is why I am deeply concerned about the USDA's recent proposal to roll back rules that put teeth in the definition of a legal term called ``actively engaged in farming.''
Long-lost relatives, by changing these rules, who have probably never lifted a finger on the farm should not get away with collecting farm payments. Farm payments should only go to operators that--and I have a definition that is a little facetious but somewhat realistic--unless they have dirt under their fingernails.
A few weeks ago, I recently complimented Secretary Perdue on what I thought were very strong rules that were being proposed at that time. Now the USDA's decision to backtrack on their rules means more megafarmers will take advantage of this loophole and people who aren't actively engaged in farming will benefit from farm payments. I am disappointed with this turnaround.
Once again, Congress must do what it can to oppose these loopholes so that we have only family farmers benefiting from the farm program.
I yield the floor.
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