“Thank you M__ Speaker. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
“Today, after nearly four years of work, the House is finally considering the 2014 Farm Bill conference report. It’s been a challenging and, at times, frustrating process but through it all, the Agriculture Committees persevered and did what we have always done - work together.
“The report before us today represents a compromise. I know this is rare in Washington but it is what is needed to actually get things done. I didn’t get everything I wanted, the Chairman didn’t get everything he wanted; but that’s how compromise works.
“But, at the end of the day, I believe my reservations are outweighed by the need to provide long term certainty for agriculture and nutrition programs and the many positive improvements and reforms included in the final bill.
“Among other things, the farm bill conference report:
* Protects and improves crop insurance;
* Continues current sugar policy;
* Streamlines conservation programs so we can continue to preserve our natural resources;
* Provides disaster assistance for livestock producers;
* Applies conservation protections to crop insurance; and
* Recognizes growing consumer demand for fresh fruits and vegetables, local foods and organics.
“In closing, I want to thank Chairman Lucas for his work on the bill along with members on both sides of the aisle for their support and hanging in there with us. I would also like to thank the Agriculture Committee staff who have been working so hard over these last few years.
“Again, M__ Speaker, this process has been going on far too long; I urge my colleagues to support the conference report."
Source: House Committee on Agriculture
