Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013

Floor Speech

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1947, Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act. While Congress must pass a long-term policy for American consumers, farmers, and ranchers, this bill is simply unacceptable. Unlike the measure passed by our colleagues in the Senate, the House GOP's bill makes deep, reckless cuts to programs for low-income families and children. This bill reduces by $20 billion the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which will end food aid for nearly 2 million people, and kick 210,000 children off of free school lunch and breakfast.

We need a farm bill that is fiscally responsible, provides small farmers and ranchers with tools to manage risk, and creates opportunities for conservation in areas like the Chesapeake Bay. There is agreement that we need to eliminate direct payments that are made regardless of yields, prices, farm income, or size. Unfortunately, until the House GOP bring a reasonable measure to the floor, the federal government will continue to give taxpayer dollars to big agribusinesses whether they need them or not.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and look forward to working with them on a responsible, long-term reauthorization of our nation's agriculture policy.

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