[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H1019-H1020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1045
           FARM BILL IMPACT SERIES--TRADE AND TRADE PROMOTION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Kansas (Mr. Mann) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, in preparation for reauthorizing the farm 
bill in 2023, I rise today to deliver the first installment of my farm 
bill impact series where I will be highlighting the various aspects of 
the farm bill that I think deserve Congress' awareness and support.
  If America is going to thrive, the people who feed, fuel, and clothe 
America must thrive, and the farm bill contains certain programs that 
have been critical to the success of agricultural producers in my 
district. This week, I want to speak about two of those programs that 
fall within the trade title of the farm bill.
  Each year, $140 billion worth of agricultural products are exported. 
My State of Kansas is known as the Wheat State, and 50 percent of all 
wheat sold in the United States is exported. So Congress must think 
critically and carefully about the international components of the 
Trade title. Trade programs, which have longstanding records of success 
in America, represent the partnership between the

[[Page H1020]]

public and the private sectors of our country. These programs are 
essential because they spearhead innovative market access, new market 
development, and promote agricultural sales overseas.
  Through the Market Access Program, or MAP, U.S. agricultural trade 
associations, cooperatives, State regional trade groups, and small 
businesses cooperate to share the cost of overseas marketing and 
promotional activities. MAP reaches virtually every corner of the globe 
helping build markets for a wide variety of U.S. farm and food products 
including dairy, wheat, grain, beef, soybean, and sunflowers that come 
from my district.
  The Agricultural Trade Promotion program or, ATP, was created in 2018 
to help U.S. agricultural exporters develop new markets and mitigate 
the adverse effects of other countries' tariff and non-tariff barriers. 
The ATP supports consumer advertising, public relations, point-of-sale 
demonstrations, trade fairs and exhibits, market research, and 
technical assistance for farmers, ranchers, and our agriculture 
producers.
  I support whatever directly benefits farmers, ranchers, and 
agricultural producers in this country because they are the lifeblood 
of America. They keep us food-secure, and therefore free and self-
determining as a nation. That is why I support these trade programs 
within the farm bill and why I am bringing awareness to them now, to 
ensure that they remain intact for the 2023 farm bill.
  I also support these programs as a fiscal conservative because they 
are a great return on investment for all Americans.
  I will be back on the floor soon to deliver another installment of my 
farm bill impact series and highlight more programs and titles within 
the bill that I believe Congress must understand and support to ensure 
that agriculture continues to thrive in Kansas and in America.


                     Honoring Local Law Enforcement

  Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, I stand today to recognize the dedication of 
law enforcement officers on the thin blue line, and condemn calls to 
defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police.
  No one dislikes bad police officers more than good police officers. 
While some people are quick to share negative examples of law 
enforcement, they fail to acknowledge the multitude of men and women 
who bless our country with self-sacrificial care. Police officers are 
the glue that holds communities together. They put their lives on the 
line in the morning, and they go to their children's basketball games 
in the afternoon. Most of us cannot even comprehend the burden of 
responsibility that they bear for us and our families.
  Today, I will share a story about an officer in my district who 
exemplifies the very best qualities of Kansas law enforcement.
  Drew Francis started his career in law enforcement 20 years ago as a 
police officer at Dodge City Police Department. Since then, he has 
served in patrol operations, investigations, and now, police 
administration as Dodge City's Chief of Police.
  Recently, a woman approached Drew and reminded him of a time earlier 
in his career when he was dispatched to help her. She had been a victim 
of repeated domestic violence, and when Drew arrived at her house, she 
remembered that he took the time to talk with her about the importance 
of removing herself and her children from the cycle of violence. The 
woman said that Chief Francis inspired her to make this change, and she 
felt that Drew had actually saved her life.
  This particular story is an example of the little things that police 
officers do daily, the positive impact of which may never be fully 
comprehended.
  In honor of these individuals who put their lives on the line for our 
safety, I have cosponsored several pieces of pro-law enforcement 
legislation, including a resolution condemning calls to defund the 
police; the Protect and Serve Act, which enhances penalties for anyone 
targeting and attacking law enforcement officers; as well as the David 
Dorn Back the Blue Act, which supports State and local police 
departments; and also, a resolution designating National Police Week.
  I am so proud to represent a district where police officers like Drew 
Francis live and work. America must stand in support of those who 
protect and serve us, our law enforcement officers.

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