Recognizing National Agriculture Day

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Agriculture Day. Today is a day for Congress to come together to share their appreciation.

This day serves to highlight the vital work our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and farmworkers do in providing the safest, highest quality supply of food, fiber, and fuel in human history.

Agriculture touches our lives daily. If you have eaten today, thank a farmer. If you have clothes on your back, thank a farmer. Agriculture also provides the foundation upon which the entire American economy rests.

It is more important than ever to ensure our farmers, ranchers, and foresters have their voices heard in the Halls of Congress. That is why it is my honor to represent farm families in rural America as the chairman of the Committee on Agriculture.

Rural America deserves policies that help, not hinder, economic vitality and global competitiveness. Consumers deserve affordable and abundant food, fiber, and fuel. Every farmer I have met across nearly 40 States says the same thing: They want a government to work for them, not against them.

Getting a farm bill across the finish line is a tall task, and each reauthorization has its own unique set of challenges. This year's farm bill can show the best of America--farmers--that we have their backs.

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