Bill (H.R. to Provide for the Reform and Continuation of Agricultural and Other Programs of the Department of Agriculture Through Fiscal Year and to Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Chair, today, we are passing one of the most critical pieces of legislation to come before any Congress--the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, or the 2026 Farm Bill. This is the next step forward in strengthening America's safety net for our farmers and safeguarding our Nation's food security.

North Carolina is fortunate to be one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country. Agriculture contributes more than $113 billion to our state's economy and remains our number one industry. However, its importance cannot be measured in dollars alone--a secure food supply is essential to our national security.

This bill protects North Carolina agriculture from crazy state- imposed laws designed to ultimately lead to the elimination of animal agriculture. Additionally, the bill expands support for specialty crops and enhances disaster assistance for hurricane-prone states. It also addresses pressing issues in our rural communities, such as water contamination challenges.

I would like to thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing a Farm Bill that supports the farm families who provide the safest, most abundant food and fiber supply in the world. I would also like to thank the very hard-working House Agriculture Committee staff for all of their work. This accomplishment would not have been achieved without them.

I urge my colleagues in the Senate to advance this legislation so that our Nation's farmers can continue to farm and meet the food and nutritional needs of America and the world.

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