Tom Latham: “Mr. Speaker, on January 6, I introduced H.R. 169 in an effort to level the playing field for embattled American pork…”

“Mr. Speaker, on January 6, I introduced H.R. 169 in an effort to level the playing field for embattled American pork producers. I think the Speaker is acutely aware of the problems that pork producers have experienced in recent months with the prices dipping down to under $10 per hundred. Currently, they moved back up to close to $28 per hundred, but certainly well below any level of profitability. We have experienced prices well below Depression Era prices, and it is so important that we do as much as possible and as quickly as possible to help our pork producers. My legislation amends the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to include swine in a 12-month pilot investigation of live cattle and lamb prices that was included in last year's omnibus appropriations bill. This legislation contributes to our efforts to revive a farm economy that is in bad shape.”