[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 9240]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       FARMERS DESERVE CERTAINTY

  (Mr. HULTGREN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, successful agriculture is vital for 
America and for my home State of Illinois to thrive in the future. The 
farmers in my district in northern Illinois are saying that they can do 
without direct payments as long as there is some protection from 
catastrophe. That's why I'm looking forward to supporting a broad plan 
for strong, reliable, and affordable crop insurance when we take up the 
farm bill next week.
  A successful farm bill must have strong protection from 
uncontrollable risks for our Nation's agriculture sector. Farmers take 
large risks every year to acquire the seed, feed, and supplies they 
will need for the season. Crop insurance gives them the certainty to 
take these risks, knowing that they will be protected from conditions 
beyond their control.
  We have an opportunity to empower farmers by giving them choices and 
the ability to tailor protection to their needs while also asking that 
they share the risk so the taxpayer isn't picking up the whole tab.

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