[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 145 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2997, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD 
 AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2009

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of the Conference Report for H.R. 2997, the Agriculture Appropriations 
Act of 2010.
  My district is home to some of the most fertile farm land in our 
great nation, as well as some of the hardest working farmers.
  While so many people identify Michigan with manufacturing, it can be 
easy to forget that agriculture is Michigan's second leading industry, 
and the bright spot in a struggling Michigan economy.
  As you drive through my district, you will see fields full of dry 
beans, sugar beets, corn, wheat, soybeans, various vegetables, and 
other crops needed to feed our nation and the rest of the world. You 
will also see thriving cattle and pork industries.
  This bill is important because it provides much needed funding for 
the Farm Services Agency which administers disaster and loan programs, 
farm commodities and conservation programs directed towards producers.
  The bill also goes a long way in providing money for continued 
agriculture research which is so important in increasing harvest yields 
and furthering education for our producers. Agriculture research is 
vitally important to ensure that America remains the greatest food 
producer in the world.
  Finally, this legislation will provide necessary money for our 
nation's struggling dairy farmers. In these tough economic times, dairy 
producers have been struggling with a steep drop in price for their 
product. My district is home to a large dairy industry, and it is of 
vital importance that we do all that we can to help these producers 
out.
  While there are certainly challenges with this bill, it is vital that 
we move this important funding bill forward. The funding provided by 
this bill will serve as strong support for an industry that is crucial 
for our national economy.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important 
legislation.

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