Conference Report on H.R. 2419, Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2419, FOOD, CONSERVATION, AND ENERGY ACT OF 2008 -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 16, 2008)
SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008
* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Conference Report on the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, and I would like to commend my colleague from Minnesota, Chairman Peterson, for his tireless efforts. He is a champion for rural American and his leadership was essential for the success of this legislation.
* The conference report--while not perfect--is a step in the right direction. This farm bill makes unprecedented investments in nutrition and conservation programs while also helping to address our Nation's energy crisis. In addition, this farm bill begins to scale back the commodity program by reducing spending on farmers who do not need the help.
* Three of every four dollars from this farm bill go towards nutrition programs, which could not come at a better time for American families. Even without the spike in food prices, millions of Americans are unable to afford a sufficient and healthy diet. Unfortunately, community food banks and our current nutrition programs have not been able to meet the growing burden from rising food costs. That is why this farm bill provides $50 million immediately to address the shortfalls that food banks and food shelves are facing right now. It also increases funding for nutrition programs by more than $10 billion. For the first time in 30 years individual benefits will be increased, and for the first time ever we will take the important step of indexing benefits to the cost of living. It is unacceptable that in the richest Nation in the world, so many go hungry--especially children. This legislation is a necessary step towards an America free from hunger.
* The farm bill also increases our commitment to international nutrition programs in response to growing humanitarian crises. As global food prices continue to rise, the aid that the U.S. provides to the developing world becomes more critical than ever. I am proud that this farm bill does include an increase in mandatory funding for the McGovern-Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition program, but unfortunately it provides much less--nearly $800 million less--than the House included in our version. There is a nationwide consensus that we need to do more to help feed hungry children around the world, and I will continue working to increase funding for the McGovern-Dole program.
* Investing in conservation and domestic energy programs will benefit Minnesota and the entire country. With almost 8 billion in new conservation dollars, this conference report represents a shift towards sustainability in U.S. farm policy. These funds will be used to extend and expand a variety of programs that incentivize and provide technical assistance for farming practices that improve the quality of soil, water, and air on working lands. This legislation also represents a real commitment to dealing with the energy crisis. With record oil prices and new information about corn-based ethanol, it is crucial that we invest in viable fuels for the future. That is why this farm bill provides a billion dollars for R&D of advanced biofuels and shifts incentives from corn-based ethanol to biofuels from feedstocks such as switchgrass and woodchips.
* The Food, Conservation and Energy Act modernizes and makes much needed reforms to the commodity payment system; by closing loopholes, eliminating payments to wealthy farmers, and capping direct payments, this bill cuts $60 billion from the commodity programs. At the same time, this farm bill strengthens the safety net for farmers that protects them against price drops, droughts, floods and other disasters.
* This farm bill is a bipartisan compromise that addresses our urgent needs and invests in our future. I urge my colleagues in joining me in supporting the conference report.
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