Jimmy Panetta

I appreciate this opportunity to be here to testify in front of you.

Those are the same issues we have on the West Coast, so we're with you.

Good morning, everyone. My name is Jimmy Panetta. I represent the Twentieth Congressional District in California, the central coast of California.

When the SNAP budget was cut before, we saw a huge increase of our students needing food.

If there have to be cuts in the overall SNAP budget, we don't want that to come out of food allotments.

There is a concern based on that $10 billion cut to the SNAP program, and how that would impede our ability to reach certain populations.

I have to commend Chairman Conaway for advocating for a robust budget for the Agriculture Committee.

I would strongly encourage that this farm bill identifies that. It speaks to our best entrepreneurial spirit.

Thank you for having this hearing on this topic. I truly appreciate it, representing the area that I do on the central coast of California.

I am a big fan of collaboration and partnerships.

Elevating and strengthening diplomacy and development alongside defense are critical to keeping America safe.

If America does nothing, 50 percent of South Sudan's population could be gone.

It is clear that when it comes to the United States and our affairs abroad, we have a responsibility to play.

When we don't live up to that responsibility, when we don't lead, that vacuum is filled.

Congressman, just a couple of thoughts on the supermarket side.

Let's talk about fresh fruits and vegetables, something I like to bring up quite often based on where I hail from, the Salinas Valley, otherwise known as my colleagues are going to get sick of me saying, the salad bowl of the world.

I completely appreciate very much your discussion about immigration, and immigration reform, and how it affects not just the dairy producers, but especially my growers in the Central Coast.

The dairy farm that I do have, the Scope Family Farm, they have taken a hit with the falling milk prices.

I appreciate your preparation, your expertise, as well as your testimony.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate this opportunity.

I appreciate your time, your efforts. I know it takes a lot of preparation to come here, and so thank you very much.

We should be the industry leader on figuring our solutions for ag. The USDA should be able to pioneer those types of relationships between these types of companies in the private- and public-sector.

A two-pronged approach is needed. It is two efforts, you have to have two avenues going; one dealing with the visa issue, there is no doubt about that.

I too appreciate all of the witnesses who took the time to come here. I know it takes a lot of preparation, a lot of effort on your part, so thank you very much.

I believe that to tie it to the farm bill though, because for too long we have been spoiled because of the labor force that we have had.