[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    BILL (H.R. 7567) TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFORM AND CONTINUATION OF 
   AGRICULTURAL AND OTHER PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
            THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2031, AND TO OTHER PURPOSES

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                               speech of

                           HON. DAVID ROUZER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2026

  Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Chair, today, we are passing one of the most critical 
pieces of legislation to come before any Congress--the Farm, Food, and 
National Security Act, or the 2026 Farm Bill. This is the next step 
forward in strengthening America's safety net for our farmers and 
safeguarding our Nation's food security.
  North Carolina is fortunate to be one of the most agriculturally 
diverse states in the country. Agriculture contributes more than $113 
billion to our state's economy and remains our number one industry. 
However, its importance cannot be measured in dollars alone--a secure 
food supply is essential to our national security.
  This bill protects North Carolina agriculture from crazy state-
imposed laws designed to ultimately lead to the elimination of animal 
agriculture. Additionally, the bill expands support for specialty crops 
and enhances disaster assistance for hurricane-prone states. It also 
addresses pressing issues in our rural communities, such as water 
contamination challenges.
  I would like to thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership and 
steadfast commitment to advancing a Farm Bill that supports the farm 
families who provide the safest, most abundant food and fiber supply in 
the world. I would also like to thank the very hard-working House 
Agriculture Committee staff for all of their work. This accomplishment 
would not have been achieved without them.
  I urge my colleagues in the Senate to advance this legislation so 
that our Nation's farmers can continue to farm and meet the food and 
nutritional needs of America and the world.

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