Providing for Consideration of Conference Report on H.R. 2419, Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

Floor Speech

PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2419, FOOD, CONSERVATION, AND ENERGY ACT OF 2008 -- (House of Representatives - May 14, 2008)

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Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Peterson and thanking Chairman Cardoza for their tireless resolve to bring this historic legislation to a vote today. I also want to thank Commissioner Bronson and my good friends and colleagues, Allen Boyd and Adam Putnam, for their work in delivering to the ranchers, farmers and growers of Florida the best farm bill in history.

This farm bill, in combination with the energy bill already signed into law, completes the foundation upon which Florida will build a biofuels industry that will power America's engines and make us more secure. It means more jobs for our State. It means our children will be able to stay in rural Florida and have jobs for the future. This farm bill, after more than 70 years, begins to give Florida's growers and farmers parity with commodity crops.

In Florida, we grow over 270 different varieties of specialty crops. I welcome this $1.3 billion investment in new programs that supports research, pest management, trade promotion and nutrition for the industry.

Finally, this bill makes an investment in our environment by making an additional $7.9 billion available for conservation programs. This bill brings farmers and environmentalists together to protect our land, our waters, and one of our Nation's greatest treasures, the Everglades.

As a Blue Dog Democrat, I am especially proud that we have been able to accomplish all of the above without having to raise taxes or go into debt. We don't have to mortgage the farm to pay for this farm bill.

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