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.
“SUPPORT THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H715 on March 4, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUPPORT THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM
(Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the Conservation Reserve Program, or CRP. Originally it was used as a supply management and conservation tool. Over time, it has become the conservation program of choice for most producers. In addition, it has gained the full-fledged support of many different conservation, environmental, and sportsmen's groups.
The 1996 farm bill gave the U.S. Department of Agriculture broad authority to develop a CRP policy that would provide the Nation with the most conservation benefits for each of the dollars invested. USDA has worked hard to develop such a policy, and I applaud their efforts.
However, many of my constituents, like me, are concerned with the untimely manner in which the rule was issued. Many farmers in my district are agonizing over whether their land will be accepted into the CRP or if they should prepare to plant a crop.
I will be keeping a very close eye on how USDA handles the sign-up process, and will be more than ready to act should things not go as planned. I urge my colleagues to do the same.
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