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FARM SECURITY ACT OF 2001 -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 12,
2001)
[Page: E1860] GPO's PDF
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SPEECH OF
HON. TOM UDALL
OF NEW MEXICO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Friday, October 5, 2001
- Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, my vote on H.R. 2646, the Farm Security Act of 2001 has been a
difficult one. I have struggled to determine how H.R. 2646 would benefit rural
farmers and ranchers in northern New Mexico. I have always been a strong
advocate for family farmers in New Mexico and I want these hardworking
families to be successful and their farms profitable. However, H.R. 2646 fails
these families in many ways. This new farm bill encourages overproduction while
prices are low, fails to adequately help small farmers, and increases federal
spending in times of economic uncertainty.
- After much thought, I must agree with President Bush and his analysis of
H.R. 2646. I want to support a farm bill that is better for rural America,
supports the environment, and expands the opportunities for our farmers in
growing world markets. I agree with President Bush that H.R. 2646 fails to
meet these objectives. For these and other reasons, I regret that I will vote
against H.R. 2646 in its current form.
- I encourage the Administration to continue working with Congress to
provide a plan that meets these new policy goals. Our current economic
uncertainty, and some are starting to call it a recession, forces us to think
wisely before spending. Combined with emergency aid, more tax packages and
economic aid programs, we are facing some difficult fiscal hardships. For
example, within the past several weeks, Congress passed a $40 billion
emergency fund in response to the September 11th attacks; we have approved a
$15 billion emergency aid package for U.S. commercial airlines; and we
currently are negotiating with the President for an economic stimulus package
that could reach $75 billion. With that in mind, I can not support H.R. 2646
in its current form and in our current climate.
- I agree with President Bush, and I call for a thorough examination of
current farm policy. Our current
farm bill does not expire until September
2002. Let's take the time to get it right. We must modernize the nation's
farm programs to reflect
changing technologies, markets, and environmental agendas. Yet, we must
develop a farm program that
protects and supports small family farmers and ranchers such as those in New
Mexico. I question how the Farm
Security Act would help the small farmers and ranchers in an equitable
way.
- Mr. Speaker, the next generation of the nation's farm programs should have the
flexibility to meet the diverse needs of all farmers and ranchers. It is time
to seize this unique opportunity to develop long-term, progressive farm program solutions that are fair
and benefit all farmers and ranchers.