[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 54 (Friday, May 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 2002

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 2646, the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Because the American farmer 
is the backbone of our great country, we must continue to make every 
effort to ensure the viability of the family farmer. I believe the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 does just that, ensures the 
viability of the family farmer.
  This new farm bill was a very carefully constructed bill, a product 
of over two years of hard work. The legislation strikes the right 
balance between commodity and conservation programs. It maintains the 
market-oriented features and planting flexibility of the 1996 Farm 
Bill, while providing the largest ever investment in conservation, an 
80% increase in current funding levels.
  Additionally, this legislation is good for the farmers of Alabama. 
The payment limitations included in this final compromise will keep the 
farmers of capital-intensive crops, such as cotton and peanuts, viable 
in Alabama and the entire Southeast. I am proud to be a member of the 
House Agriculture Committee which created the original House farm bill, 
and today I am very proud to support the final passage of H.R. 2646, 
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.




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