[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ON PASSAGE OF THE CONFERENCE REPORT TO H.R. 2646, THE FARM SECURITY AND 
                          RURAL INVESTMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JUDY BIGGERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, On May 2, 2002, the House approved the 
conference report to H.R. 2646, the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
Act, also known as the farm bill. I could not support this measure, for 
it represents a complete reversal of the 1996 Freedom to Farm Act, 
legislation that I have long supported.
  The 1996 Freedom to Farm Act was a six-year attempt to wean farmers 
off government support, taking agriculture out of the hands of 
government control by eliminating subsidies and letting the market 
dictate prices and production levels. I acknowledge that the Freedom to 
Farm Act was not perfect, but instead of improving upon this approach 
and building on its early success, the conference report completely 
abandons the free market principles of Freedom to Farm and returns to 
government subsidies and hands-on government management of agriculture.
  The Chicago Tribune ran an editorial on May 6, 2002, entitled 
``Congress at the trough,'' which reflects the sentiments many of us 
share with respect to the conference report to H.R. 2646. I bring the 
editorial to my colleagues' attention and ask that it be included in 
the record of debate on the conference report.

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