Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2419, Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this rule. For several months, the House Agriculture Committee worked in a bipartisan manner to pass a bill that would make historic investments in conservation, nutrition and renewable energy, while maintaining strong support for American farmers. The committee put aside partisan differences and worked together on a bill that meets the needs of American farmers, without raising taxes.

Today House leadership has brushed aside months of hard work by Republicans and Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee and decided to insert a 600 percent tax increase on manufacturers who employ 5.1 million Americans workers and pay $325 billion in wages. Additionally, the anticompetitive Davis-Bacon provision included in this bill would drive up the cost of building ethanol plants and discourage alternative energy production.

Yet today, this rule does not allow Members a vote on striking these provisions. Right now, governments throughout the world are cutting taxes for job traders to attract investment. The Democratic proposal will drive investment and jobs out of America and greatly diminish America's competitiveness.

Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I strongly oppose this rule.

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