Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

Issue Position: Agriculture

As a former cattle rancher, I understand the important role the agricultural industry has in our economy. This is especially true in Arkansas, where it is the top industry in the state's economy. We have a responsibility to protect and promote America's agriculture communities.

Since I have come to Congress, we have worked hard to pass a number of laws that help Arkansas' agricultural community. Right at the top of that list is the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill. Among the beneficial provisions for the farmers of the Third District of Arkansas in this new law is a new regionally balanced federal dairy program.

One of the most important things we can do in Congress for our farmers is to open new markets for their products. Free and fair trade is vital to Arkansas' farmers if they want to be able to compete in today's global economy. To that end, I am proud to say I have worked to support our farmers by helping to pass Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation and the Central-America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Both these important bills will help increase the output and revenue for Arkansas' farmers by giving then more markets in which to sell their goods.

I believe there is still a lot to be done legislatively to help promote America's agricultural industry including eliminating the death tax, continuing to open new markets for our farmers and - in Arkansas specifically - ensuring that our farmers are not made the scapegoats for our region's water quality problems. I am dedicated to working hard to ensure a bright and better future for American agriculture.

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