    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [May 2, 2002]
    [Pages 709-710]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Action on Farm Security and Rural Development
    Legislation
    May 2, 2002

        I congratulate Chairman Combest and the
    other House and Senate conferees for a job well done in completing the
    ``Farm Security and Rural Development Act of 2002.''

    [[Page 710]]

        I am pleased that the compromise agreement on the farm bill resulted
    in better balanced commodity loan rates; spending that is no longer
    front-loaded; and the strongest conservation provisions of any farm bill
    ever passed by Congress. The final provisions of the farm bill are also
    consistent with America's international trade obligations, which will
    strengthen our ability to open foreign markets for American farm
    products. While this compromise agreement did not satisfy all of my
    objectives, I am pleased that this farm bill provides a generous and
    reliable safety net for our Nation's farmers and ranchers and is
    consistent with the principles I outlined.
        I thank the conferees for their hard work and urge Congress to send
    the farm bill to my desk promptly for signature to help ensure the
    immediate and long-term vitality of our farm economy.