[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 14 (Monday, January 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E72]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOUISIANA RICE ECONOMIC RELIEF ACT

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                         HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2003

  Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my 
colleagues to the severe economic distress of the Louisiana agriculture 
industry. In particular, the Louisiana rice industry is facing 
disastrous economic conditions due to record low market prices coupled 
with storm damage from Hurricane Lili, Tropical Storm Isidore, and 
several additional severe storm systems. Without sustainable federal 
support for last year's losses, many rice producers, and much of the 
rural Louisiana economy, will not be able to withstand another year or 
hardship.
  As we enter the final stages of negotiations for the FY 03 Omnibus 
Appropriations bill, I commend Senator Cochran and the supporters of 
agriculture disaster assistance in the U.S. Senate. However, 
unfortunately, it will take more than 42 percent of direct program 
payments to reverse the current economic disaster in South Louisiana. 
For this reason, I am reintroducing the Louisiana Rice Economic Relief 
Act, providing a $2.42 per hundredweight payment to rice producers 
across the state.
  As Congress concludes discussion on an omnibus appropriations 
package, and we prepare to debate an economic stimulus package for our 
nation, I offer the Louisiana Rice Economic Relief Act as the 
cornerstone of economic stimulus for the rural agricultural economy of 
this region. We must keep in mind the distress of Louisiana's 
agricultural economy if we are serious about moving forward on a truly 
sustainable plan for our nation's entire agriculture industry, as well 
as the entire economy of the United States.

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