Farm Bill Impact Series--Trade and Trade Promotion

Floor Speech

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Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, in preparation for reauthorizing the farm bill in 2023, I rise today to deliver the first installment of my farm bill impact series where I will be highlighting the various aspects of the farm bill that I think deserve Congress' awareness and support.

If America is going to thrive, the people who feed, fuel, and clothe America must thrive, and the farm bill contains certain programs that have been critical to the success of agricultural producers in my district. This week, I want to speak about two of those programs that fall within the trade title of the farm bill.

Each year, $140 billion worth of agricultural products are exported. My State of Kansas is known as the Wheat State, and 50 percent of all wheat sold in the United States is exported. So Congress must think critically and carefully about the international components of the Trade title. Trade programs, which have longstanding records of success in America, represent the partnership between the public and the private sectors of our country. These programs are essential because they spearhead innovative market access, new market development, and promote agricultural sales overseas.

Through the Market Access Program, or MAP, U.S. agricultural trade associations, cooperatives, State regional trade groups, and small businesses cooperate to share the cost of overseas marketing and promotional activities. MAP reaches virtually every corner of the globe helping build markets for a wide variety of U.S. farm and food products including dairy, wheat, grain, beef, soybean, and sunflowers that come from my district.

The Agricultural Trade Promotion program or, ATP, was created in 2018 to help U.S. agricultural exporters develop new markets and mitigate the adverse effects of other countries' tariff and non-tariff barriers. The ATP supports consumer advertising, public relations, point-of-sale demonstrations, trade fairs and exhibits, market research, and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers, and our agriculture producers.

I support whatever directly benefits farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in this country because they are the lifeblood of America. They keep us food-secure, and therefore free and self- determining as a nation. That is why I support these trade programs within the farm bill and why I am bringing awareness to them now, to ensure that they remain intact for the 2023 farm bill.

I also support these programs as a fiscal conservative because they are a great return on investment for all Americans.

I will be back on the floor soon to deliver another installment of my farm bill impact series and highlight more programs and titles within the bill that I believe Congress must understand and support to ensure that agriculture continues to thrive in Kansas and in America. Honoring Local Law Enforcement

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Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, I stand today to recognize the dedication of law enforcement officers on the thin blue line, and condemn calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police.

No one dislikes bad police officers more than good police officers. While some people are quick to share negative examples of law enforcement, they fail to acknowledge the multitude of men and women who bless our country with self-sacrificial care. Police officers are the glue that holds communities together. They put their lives on the line in the morning, and they go to their children's basketball games in the afternoon. Most of us cannot even comprehend the burden of responsibility that they bear for us and our families.

Today, I will share a story about an officer in my district who exemplifies the very best qualities of Kansas law enforcement.

Drew Francis started his career in law enforcement 20 years ago as a police officer at Dodge City Police Department. Since then, he has served in patrol operations, investigations, and now, police administration as Dodge City's Chief of Police.

Recently, a woman approached Drew and reminded him of a time earlier in his career when he was dispatched to help her. She had been a victim of repeated domestic violence, and when Drew arrived at her house, she remembered that he took the time to talk with her about the importance of removing herself and her children from the cycle of violence. The woman said that Chief Francis inspired her to make this change, and she felt that Drew had actually saved her life.

This particular story is an example of the little things that police officers do daily, the positive impact of which may never be fully comprehended.

In honor of these individuals who put their lives on the line for our safety, I have cosponsored several pieces of pro-law enforcement legislation, including a resolution condemning calls to defund the police; the Protect and Serve Act, which enhances penalties for anyone targeting and attacking law enforcement officers; as well as the David Dorn Back the Blue Act, which supports State and local police departments; and also, a resolution designating National Police Week.

I am so proud to represent a district where police officers like Drew Francis live and work. America must stand in support of those who protect and serve us, our law enforcement officers.

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