Washington, Thursdsy, July 26, 2007

Floor Speech

WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2007 -- (House of Representatives - July 26, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. I thank the chairman and my good friend for the work he's done, and I thank the distinguished gentleman from Virginia, the ranking member for making the experience in the Ag Committee as rewarding as it's been.

I rise in opposition to my good friend from Wisconsin's piece of legislation. It's well meaning, but I believe it does not address the needs of my district. The people of the First District of Minnesota, I think, can probably lay claim to one of the richest agricultural pieces of land in the entire world. We lead in production of soybeans, near the top in corn production, turkeys and pork.

This is a bill that is supported. I had 14 hearings throughout my district with universal acceptance of making sure the safety net is maintained, improving our conservation programs and strengthening rural America.

When I hear about record high prices, the people of this Chamber and the people of America need to know the price of corn has dropped 25 percent in the last month. Farmers know it won't always remain that way.

When I need advice on the farm bill, I go to a couple of good farmers in my district, Kevin Papp, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, and Doug Peterson, president of Minnesota's Farmers Union. I don't need to go to the ideologues at the Cato Institute or Club for Growth to know what's good for rural America.

I oppose this amendment and support the chairman's mark.

Source