[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                       NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK

  (Mr. CHILDERS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. CHILDERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Ag Week. 
This week we honor our farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole 
for their critical contributions to America's local economies, 
communities, and families. Agriculture is the backbone of the South and 
the number one industry in the State of Mississippi. Not only is it 
responsible for providing the necessities of everyday life, food, 
fiber, clothing, and fuel, to name a few, but it also plays a key role 
in spurring local economic development and strengthening American 
competitiveness in today's global economy.
  I'm very honored to serve as the only member of Mississippi's 
delegation on the House Agriculture Committee. I'm also proud to co-
chair the bipartisan Congressional Rural Caucus, which I joined 
Republican Adrian Smith in reestablishing last year to address 
important challenges unique to rural America. Together we've reached 
across party lines to promote universal broadband access, economic 
development in rural communities, and the creation of a White House 
Office of Rural Policy.
  I urge my colleagues to join the Congressional Rural Caucus in 
recognizing National Agriculture Week.

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