[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 39 (Thursday, March 11, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCTION OF THE FAMILY FARM PROTECTION ACT

  (Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, on Monday I was back in 
northeastern Wisconsin unveiling what will be my first bill before this 
House, a proposal that I call the Family Farm Protection Act.
  Now this simple plan exempts farmers from a Federal capital gains tax 
when they sell their farm to a family member when they try to keep 
their family farm within the family.
  Now, while the U.S. economy is booming, our family members, some of 
the hardest working people in America, face a tragic crisis. 
Traditionally, when a farm crisis comes along, we in the Congress look 
at ways to create more programs, to build more government help. All too 
often we forget that it is the government itself which is at the heart 
of many problems that our farmers face. My proposal removes an onerous 
tax that forces families out of farming and is contributing to the 
destruction of our Nation's lifelong agricultural heritage.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in this effort and to become original 
cosponsors of the Family Farm Protection Act.

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