[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 126 (Thursday, July 26, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H7710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      AMERICAN GROWN FLOWERS MONTH

  (Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I recognize July as American Grown Flowers 
Month. I am proud to offer this recognition since my district on the 
central coast of California produces many cut flowers, including $62 
million worth in 2016.
  The cut flower industry doesn't just offer a product. It provides 
jobs, investment, and, of course, beauty to our communities.
  Now, despite changes, trade conditions, and ongoing international 
uncertainty within the market, this industry survives because those in 
the cut flower industry, like many of their ancestors who immigrated 
here, are willing to take risks by pivoting, adjusting, and making sure 
that their businesses continue to bloom.
  As co-chair of the Congressional Cut Flowers Caucus and as a member 
of the Agriculture Committee, I am working to ensure that our producers 
who want to remain or even enter into the industry now not only have 
the opportunity, but the tools they need to succeed and grow.
  So I ask you to help this American-made industry by supporting 
investments in research and innovation, for access to accurate industry 
data at USDA, and to work to ensure an available workforce through 
immigration reform.
  Do this so that those American producers can continue to do what they 
do best: grow flowers, contribute to our community, and bring joy into 
the lives of all of our constituents.

                          ____________________