[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           PASS THE FARM BILL

  (Mrs. NOEM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mrs. NOEM. Today, I rise in support of passing a 5-year farm bill for 
rural and urban America. The House Agriculture Committee acted last 
week to pass a bipartisan farm bill by a vote of 36-10. It saves nearly 
$40 billion and makes substantial reforms to the food stamp program and 
farm programs. The bill eliminates direct payments and consolidates 
many of the conservation programs. Through this, it also saves money 
but promotes a strong safety net in a way that is accountable to 
taxpayers.
  We recognize that the agriculture community will take some cuts, 
given our Nation's fiscal situation, but we need to continue to support 
good policies that support our ability to grow our own food in this 
country. The farm bill we passed out of the committee represents the 
first reforms to the food stamp program since 1996. We've put a lot of 
work into this reform and making sure the money goes exactly where it's 
needed. It closes loopholes in order to crack down on waste, fraud, and 
abuse. The reforms we make ensure that we can keep integrity in the 
program. It ensures assistance goes to those who need it most.
  I believe we need to hold the Federal Government accountable to the 
taxpayers, and this bill is a step in the right direction. Our number 
one industry in South Dakota is agriculture. I'm proud of the families 
in my State that have dedicated their lives to growing our food.

                          ____________________