Camp, House Republicans Thwart Administration's Effort to Kill Youth Agriculture Programs

Statement

ongressman Dave Camp (R-Midland, MI) today released the following statement after the Department of Labor announced it has withdrawn a proposed rule that would undermine the ability of farmers and ranchers to hire young people, putting at risk their ability to pass on their experience to the next generation of agricultural producers.

"Family farms are the lifeblood of Michigan agriculture, especially here in the Fourth District," said Camp. "The ability of youngsters to learn through hands-on work in the field and through programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America is critically important in cultivating the next generation of American farmers. I am glad the Labor Department realized the error of its ways and withdrew this ill-conceived and absurd rule. This is an important victory for farmers, growers, and ranchers across America."

Camp's record of leadership in the House of Representatives to stop this rule has included:

Last month, Camp signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 4157, the Preserving America's Family Farms Act, which would prohibit the Labor Department from finalizing and implementing the youth agriculture rule.

In December, Camp signed onto a bipartisan letter with 153 fellow House Members, including 23 Democrats, expressing opposition to the proposal.

Source