Ed Royce: “I think the Congress has been a little sheepish when it comes to reducing wasteful programs, especially during times…”

“I think the Congress has been a little sheepish when it comes to reducing wasteful programs, especially during times when we have had a Federal surplus. I would just make the point that Congress did end the wool and mohair subsidy. It was phased out in 1994. I think that was a good thing. Subsequent to that taxpayers did save about $200 million a year. That was good. However, like a wolf in sheep's clothing, this subsidy came back in the fiscal 1999 omnibus appropriations bill and again in the fiscal 2000 agriculture appropriations bill. Now wool and mohair producers have become eligible to receive these payments again. I do oppose the subsidy for apple producers. I think that is another rotten apple in this agriculture measure that is before us. But let me make the observation that while in the old program farmers were paid a subsidy for the wool and mohair they sold, in this new program, if I understand it right, the way it works now is the farmers do not need to attempt to sell their goods necessarily. The Agricultural Department will pay farmers by the pound just to produce mohair. Under the new program not only can farmers make money without selling their crop, they can make money without trying to market it, if I read it correctly. In 1999, taxpayers provided wool and mohair farmers, I believe, 10.3 million in subsidy. As explained, the original concept of this had to do with our national security.”