Joel Hefley: “this amendment cuts what I think is questionable government spending by $2 million. The money was dedicated to…”

“this amendment cuts what I think is questionable government spending by $2 million. The money was dedicated to agritourism in the Rural Community Advancement Program. Now, on the television program ``20/20'' John Stossel has a segment at the end every time that is called ``Give Me a Break.'' I guess I would say to this program, give me a break. Agritourism. This program just does not meet the laugh test, it seems to me. Congress should provide real solutions for America's embattled farmers instead of creating wasteful spending programs. The number of small farms in America has fallen from over 300,000 in 1978 to 170,000 today. Last year, 260,000 American farmers were hit by natural disasters, claiming $1.3 billion in damages. The number of farmers has dropped from 6 million in 1933 to less than 2 million today. We all know of the terrible drought conditions being faced this year by farmers in the Southeast. Agritourism is not a bad idea, because look what some of the examples are: cut your own Christmas tree, pick a pumpkin out of a pumpkin patch, roadside produce stands where people can meet the farmers who grow their food, pick and process grapes in a vineyard. All of these programs are a great way for American farmers to raise money. But all of these programs are for profit. Farmers make money on these programs. Why should the Federal Government subsidize them? Congress should not create wasteful programs that will only benefit a few.”