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.
“EXPAND MARKETS FOR AMERICAN DAIRY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H7870-H7871 on Sept. 24, 2019.
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:
EXPAND MARKETS FOR AMERICAN DAIRY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of hosting U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for a dairy and agriculture summit in Pennsylvania's 15th District at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania.
Joining the Secretary and I was Gary Groves, Executive Director of the USDA Pennsylvania Farm Service Agency; Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture secretary; and my colleagues Representative John Joyce and Representative Fred Keller, among others.
The purpose of the event was to learn from our farm families about what is working, what is not, and where they need support the most. It was a privilege to host so many hardworking dairy farmers and to learn from their experiences.
It is important that there are resources available to help the dairy industry strengthen and grow. At the summit, we discussed these resources, like the USDA's new Dairy Margin Coverage Program. Programs like these are strengthening the safety net for farm families everywhere nationwide.
This revamped, voluntary program is one of the many tools available to dairy farmers around the Nation that offers more options, more flexibility, and a better return on investment.
Our Nation's farmers are always working hard. Owning and operating a farm is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job. No matter where you are from, a strong agricultural industry benefits each and every one of our lives.
Of course, the hard work of these men and women would be lost without strong market opportunities. We must do more to expand opportunities for American dairy products, both domestically and internationally.
That means making pending trade agreements like the USMCA a reality by bringing it to a vote in the immediate future because Pennsylvania deserves freer markets, fairer trade, and increased economic opportunity.
As the Commonwealth's number one industry, the importance of a strong agricultural sector cannot be overstated. As the largest sector of the Pennsylvania agricultural industry, dairy production remains critical.
USMCA brings good news for dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and across the country, thanks to the elimination of Canada's class 6 and class 7 dairy pricing, which has unfairly limited our export potential.
Our agricultural industry, particularly our dairy farmers, are the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy, and their success directly impacts the well-being of the Commonwealth.
Passing USMCA is long overdue. It is time to signal to our Nation's farmers, manufacturers, small business owners, and two closest trade partners that we are serious about securing a bright future for American exports.
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