[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 18103]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             RURAL AMERICA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that there is nothing 
that is wrong in America that can't be fixed by what is right in 
America.
  Clearly, there are very significant difficulties in this body. There 
is turmoil in our health care system. The paralysis in Washington, a 
sluggish economy, and a fractured culture all lend themselves to a 
search for deeper ideals and for something to cling to.
  Mr. Speaker, we are quite fortunate where I live in Nebraska to 
maintain a strong tradition and connection to the past, which gives 
guidance for the time in which we live. But we don't often reflect upon 
our strength. In the final analysis, it really is our land, it is our 
people, and it is our values.
  Recently, in the heart of America's farm country, I had the pleasure 
of speaking with very attentive and engaged high school students eager 
to discuss the issues before our Nation. We discussed the proud history 
of our country, the Declaration of Independence, the ties that continue 
to define us as a Nation, and the debates that will define us as to 
where we go as a country.
  Mr. Speaker, an essential part of regaining our balance as a Nation 
is to understand, celebrate, and enhance America's rural heritage. As 
Americans are more and more removed from farm life, we don't think 
about the contribution rural life makes to the country as a whole.
  Production agriculture remains a key strength of America's economy. 
Exciting new opportunities are emerging. Expanding domestic food 
markets such as those for natural and organic foods grown within local 
food systems provides new opportunities for young and beginning 
farmers. There is also a new bio-based economy that converts, for 
instance, corncobs to pop bottles and livestock waste to electricity, 
while bringing about a new kind of American manufacturing based upon 
the resources of rural communities.
  Another notable point is this, Mr. Speaker: young men and women from 
rural areas of America serve in the military in much more significant 
numbers.
  Farm policy has an important role in growing new opportunities in 
rural America. Mr. Speaker, we need to pass a farm bill. The arduous 
process of reconciling House and Senate versions of the farm 
legislation is now taking place.
  It is important for all Americans to understand that the farm bill is 
not just about farms or food; but it is also a jobs bill, a trade bill, 
an energy bill, a conservation bill, and even a national security bill. 
One out of every 12 jobs in the United States is related to 
agriculture.
  In the House version of the bill, I strongly support initiatives that 
help beginning farmers and ranchers start their agriculture operations. 
I support initiatives to promote the development of local food markets, 
tighten payment limitations, and enact reasonable reforms to the SNAP 
program while also protecting those with food security needs. I am 
hopeful that the final bill written will retain the important reforms 
that actually help save taxpayer money and ensure farmers receive 
important risk management tools.
  Mr. Speaker, a recent University of Nebraska survey showed that a 
majority of students desire to move home to their rural hometowns, 
given the right opportunity to provide for themselves and raise a 
family. In recent years, our State, through hard work, personal 
responsibility, and responsible governance, has distinguished itself as 
an ideal place to live, work, and to raise a family. More than any one 
piece of legislation, these are the deeper values that we need to 
nurture and protect.
  Those of us in farm country have a great story to tell. We have the 
resources and sensible stewardship to use them responsibly. We have a 
great tradition of values that keeps us tethered to an honorable past, 
which also serves as a guide for the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe this will help America find her way.

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