[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H3904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ENSURING A SAFE AND SECURE FOOD SUPPLY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Langworthy) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Madam Speaker, this week, in this great House, we are 
set to consider this year's agriculture appropriations bill, a piece of 
legislation that will impact not only our farmers but every American 
across this great Nation.
  This legislation put forward by my colleagues on the House 
Appropriations Committee represents a critical step forward in 
safeguarding our Nation's food and drug supply, supporting our farmers, 
and ensuring that all Americans, including those in rural communities 
and low-income families, have access to essential nutrition programs.
  If we learned anything from the pandemic, it is that we should have a 
strong domestic supply chain so that we aren't relying on foreign 
countries for things like food and medication. This bill demonstrates 
our commitment to strengthening our national security and food supply 
by making strategic allocations for agricultural research, rural 
broadband, and programs focused on animal and plant health.
  These are not just budgetary allocations. They are investments in the 
future of our Nation. By providing sufficient funds for a strong supply 
chain and for safe food, drugs, and medical devices, we reaffirm our 
dedication to the well-being of every American.
  This legislation further protects our national security by ensuring 
that agricultural land remains out of the hands of foreign adversaries, 
such as Communist China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran, safeguarding our 
national interests.
  Our efforts to rein in wasteful spending and bureaucracy are 
paramount. This bill would redirect funds from partisan bills, such as 
the Inflation Reduction Act, and utilize them to support our producers 
in our rural communities.
  I personally met with dairy farmers, grape growers, and other 
agricultural producers in my district to understand the unique 
challenges faced by our farmers in our rural communities.
  I am proud to support this year's agricultural appropriations 
legislation and to demonstrate our commitment to our hardworking 
farmers, rural communities, and all Americans who rely on a safe and 
secure food and drug supply.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand together in support of 
this critical legislation.

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