[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2013

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 2013

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1947) to 
     provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and 
     other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 
     fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes:

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1947, 
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act. While Congress must 
pass a long-term policy for American consumers, farmers, and ranchers, 
this bill is simply unacceptable. Unlike the measure passed by our 
colleagues in the Senate, the House GOP's bill makes deep, reckless 
cuts to programs for low-income families and children. This bill 
reduces by $20 billion the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
(SNAP), which will end food aid for nearly 2 million people, and kick 
210,000 children off of free school lunch and breakfast.
  We need a farm bill that is fiscally responsible, provides small 
farmers and ranchers with tools to manage risk, and creates 
opportunities for conservation in areas like the Chesapeake Bay. There 
is agreement that we need to eliminate direct payments that are made 
regardless of yields, prices, farm income, or size. Unfortunately, 
until the House GOP bring a reasonable measure to the floor, the 
federal government will continue to give taxpayer dollars to big 
agribusinesses whether they need them or not.
  I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and look forward to working 
with them on a responsible, long-term reauthorization of our nation's 
agriculture policy.

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