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.
“FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2013” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E971 on June 26, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2013
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speech of
HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes:
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1947, Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act. While Congress must pass a long-term policy for American consumers, farmers, and ranchers, this bill is simply unacceptable. Unlike the measure passed by our colleagues in the Senate, the House GOP's bill makes deep, reckless cuts to programs for low-income families and children. This bill reduces by $20 billion the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP), which will end food aid for nearly 2 million people, and kick 210,000 children off of free school lunch and breakfast.
We need a farm bill that is fiscally responsible, provides small farmers and ranchers with tools to manage risk, and creates opportunities for conservation in areas like the Chesapeake Bay. There is agreement that we need to eliminate direct payments that are made regardless of yields, prices, farm income, or size. Unfortunately, until the House GOP bring a reasonable measure to the floor, the federal government will continue to give taxpayer dollars to big agribusinesses whether they need them or not.
I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and look forward to working with them on a responsible, long-term reauthorization of our nation's agriculture policy.
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