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.
“RURAL AMERICA” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H2961-H2962 on April 28, 2017.
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:
RURAL AMERICA
(Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for rural America. I represent the central coast of California, one of the most beautiful and bountiful districts in our Nation. With its many and diverse crops, it is the salad bowl of the world. Now, I know it is on the coast of California, but if you drive 1 or 2 miles east, you will be in rural America.
I understand a majority of rural Americans voted for Donald Trump. It has been 100 days now, and all they have received is broken promises with an intended laceration of the Department of Agriculture budget by 21 percent and a lack of respect and a limited appreciation for what the men and women do in rural America.
We ask the President to stop his lip service and start giving public service to rural America with investments in infrastructure, research and development, and, yes, immigration reform. It is time to stop the rhetoric and start recognizing that people who come here who work in agriculture contribute not just to our economy but to our country.
Mr. President, all we ask is that you do what people in rural America do every single day. They get up, they work hard, they are stewards of the land, they provide security for our food and for our families, and they serve not just their communities, they serve our country.
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