Conference Report on H.R. 2643, Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2014

Floor Speech

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Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to first say thank you to Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson. The Ag Committee has some of the most conservative Members of the House and some of the most liberal Members of the House, and I will tell you we have a lot of different opinions about what could and what should be done, but we had respectful discussion across the aisle and across the philosophical debates.

I have said many times from this podium that the foundation of our economy in this country is based on two things, one of them being manufacturing and the other one based on agriculture.

This bill does the things it needs to do to ensure that foundation for our agricultural producers to help with that part of the economy. It also ensures that, as those farmers go forward and do the things that they do in providing the food, the nutrition, and the fiber, not only for America but for the rest of the world, that Americans--

Americans--when they go to the grocery store, will get more for their dollar than any other country as they seek to feed their families.

We found agreement to clean up waste and abuse within many of the systems, including the food stamp system. We have given more money to food banks, which I think is extremely important in making sure that the most needy of American citizens have a place to go and make sure that they can get the nutrition that they need.

We have put some new policies in place, and I am confident that this bill is a move in the right direction. Where we have got those areas where we did not find the agreement, I am confident we will be able to come back and work on those.

I am proud to support this bill, Mr. Speaker.

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