[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 22, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3406-H3407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SUPPORTING 2024 FARM BILL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cloud). The Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the 2024 
farm bill. The farm bill touches the lives of every person in this 
country no matter who you are or where you are from--rural, urban, or 
suburban.
  That is why it is such an honor to be the southern Illinois voice on 
the House Agriculture Committee. I have been given the opportunity to 
build an incredible relationship with our farmers across my district, 
and I have sought their input in traveling around to meet with them 
where they are at. Their feedback has been critical in this process.
  For me, this farm bill is a partnership with my people. Farmers and 
producers in my district understand the positive impact the farm bill 
has on rural communities.
  In southern Illinois, agriculture is our second largest employer, 
just behind Scott Air Force Base. I am proud to serve the 10,000 
producers in one of the most diverse agricultural districts in this 
United States.
  In addition to growing staples like corn and soybeans, we are also 
home to a variety of specialty crops, livestock, and dairy. While each 
one might be different, they all share the same goal: a strong farm 
safety net.
  Our farmers produce the food, fuel, and fiber that this Nation runs 
on. They play an essential role in our communities. It is only right 
that we support them and have their backs in times of need. That is why 
the farm bill exists. It is not just written for good times. It is also 
written for the bad.
  When your crops fail, the farm bill provides a safety net. When you 
need a loan to save a family farm, the farm bill ensures access to 
credit. When your community needs an updated water system, the farm 
bill secures that funding.
  When your rural home lacks internet access, the farm bill bridges 
that gap for broadband service. When you need help feeding your family, 
the farm bill supports healthy nutrition programs to make sure 
Americans don't go to bed hungry.
  The farm bill has always been a top priority for me. By reinforcing 
crop insurance and boosting commodity reference prices, we are 
supporting the agricultural industries on their worst days and 
investing in tomorrow. This is vitally important.
  Another key priority of mine is ensuring farmers not only feed folks 
at home but around the world. My district is blessed to be located 
between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. We are strategically placed to 
export our commodities abroad. In 2022, Illinois exports for corn and 
soybean totaled over $3.5 billion.
  The MAP and FMD programs play a critical role in moving commodities 
from farmers' fields to foreign markets. However, these programs are 
often oversubscribed and underfunded, leaving producers at a 
competitive disadvantage on the global market. We need to bolster these 
programs, expand into new markets, and strengthen our trade relations.

[[Page H3407]]

  Lastly, we need to establish guidelines for large solar panel 
projects that are eating up acre after acre of prime farmland. My 
constituents have had enough. We must give local communities a say in 
the approval process.
  That is why I am pleased that my bill, the SOLAR Act, has been 
included in this legislation. We are giving producers the flexibility 
to use solar energy on their farms while setting guidelines for large 
projects.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to restate my support for the farm bill. 
The bill is a big win for our farmers. It will have a big impact across 
the country, and I urge my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee to 
support this bill as it moves through the markup process tomorrow. I 
hope it will receive strong support on the House floor, as well.

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