[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 29, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H1484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      DON'T CHEAT AMERICAN FARMERS

  (Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, this is a sad moment as we consider a 
farm bill that has the least amount of reform possible to secure 
passage. I am thankful that some of the most hateful and egregious--
like the King amendment--have been stripped out, but the savings from 
direct payments will be swallowed up by enriched crop insurance.
  My friend Paul Ryan is concerned that the safety net for the poor has 
become too comfortable a hammock. But this farm bill is now a lounge 
chair for rich agribusiness interests, who need it the least. It should 
be a scandal that there are more cuts to food stamp benefits while crop 
insurance is further enriched for wealthy agribusiness.
  The time to start is now to avoid another congressional grab bag that 
cheats the American farmers.
  Also, thank you, Trudi, for your years of dedicated service to 
Congress and the American people.

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