[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 16, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                CROP INSURANCE EQUALIZATION ACT OF 1999

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                          HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 1999

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Crop 
Insurance Equalization Act of 1999. I am honored to have Representative 
Marion Berry, Representative Chip Pickering, and Representative Sanford 
Bishop joining me as original cosponsors of this comprehensive crop 
insurance reform legislation.
  The need for an effective safety net could not be more obvious. It is 
imperative that we provide our nation's farmers with a federal crop 
insurance program that is affordable and workable. Our farmers cannot 
and should not become dependent on annual disaster bills; in the past 
nine years, the federal government has spent over $9.5 billion in 
emergency farm funds. By crafting a strong program that will both 
increase participation in the program and increase affordability to 
farmers across the nation, we have sought to eliminate the need for 
such yearly crop loss disaster aid.
  Back in February, Georgia's Eighth District hosted the House 
Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research, and 
Specialty Crops for hearings on the federal crop insurance program. 
During those hearings, I personally witnessed how frustrated farmers 
and agents are with the program. Simply put, the program does not work 
for them.
  The Crop Insurance Equalization Act of 1999 addresses concerns that 
have been voiced to the extent possible. This reform package 
significantly improves the program not only for farmers in the 
Southeastern United States, but for those across the entire nation. 
This bill does not simply make cosmetic changes to the program; it 
focuses attention on the root of the problem by seeking to restore an 
improved, updated rating system. Beyond reform for the crop insurance 
program, this bill expands the non-insured assistance program for those 
who cannot participate in crop insurance.
  Crop insurance reform is a top priority for this Congress, and the 
Crop Insurance Equalization Act of 1999 is a sufficient vehicle for 
achieving appropriate reform.

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