FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 -- HON. BOB RILEY
(Extensions of Remarks - May 03, 2002)
[Page: E716]
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HON. BOB RILEY
OF ALABAMA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, May 2, 2002
- Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 2646, the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Because the American farmer is the
backbone of our great country, we must continue to make every effort to ensure
the viability of the family farmer. I believe the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 does just that, ensures the viability of the family
farmer.
- This new farm bill was a very carefully constructed bill, a product of
over two years of hard work. The legislation strikes the right balance between
commodity and conservation programs. It maintains the market-oriented features
and planting flexibility of the 1996 Farm Bill, while providing the largest
ever investment in conservation, an 80% increase in current funding
levels.
- Additionally, this legislation is good for the farmers of Alabama. The
payment limitations included in this final compromise will keep the farmers of
capital-intensive crops, such as cotton and peanuts, viable in Alabama and the
entire Southeast. I am proud to be a member of the House Agriculture Committee
which created the original House farm bill, and today I am very proud to
support the final passage of H.R. 2646, the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002.
END