[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 81 (Thursday, May 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       U.S. SUGAR IS UNDER ATTACK

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, American sugar is under attack on its 
home turf. Despite costing taxpayers absolutely nothing for 14 of the 
past 15 years, some want to dismantle this program, a program--I might 
add--that supports 140,000 jobs in 22 states.
  Countries like Mexico flood and dump into our country cheap, low 
quality sugar, undercutting American producers. Meanwhile, Big Candy 
Corporations takes advantage of these low prices then argue that their 
foreign competitors pay less than they do, even though the data says 
otherwise. The reality is that sugar prices have stagnated over the 
last 30 years, stumbling behind the rate of inflation and forcing 
producers to work on razor-thin margins.
  But Big Candy wants you to think they're being treated unfairly. In 
the 80's--back when my hair was blonde and my right hand held a gavel--
your average candy bar cost about 35-cents and contained a mere 2-cents 
worth of sugar.
  In 2018, the average candy bar costs about a buck-fifty and still 
contains only 2-cents worth of sugar in. Big Candy's profits rise and 
they keep the little guy's cut.
  That's why we need U.S. sugar policy, Mr. Speaker. In the last thirty 
years, half of the U.S.'s sugar operations have shut down. If Big Candy 
gets its way, the other half will soon follow.
  I appreciate fellow Texan, Chairman Conaway's tireless efforts in 
crafting this vital legislation and preserving America's Ag industry 
for another five years. I oppose any action to put American sugar 
growers out of business.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________