Jim Ryun: “while the majority of Americans are enjoying an unprecedented level of economic prosperity, natural disasters and low…”

“while the majority of Americans are enjoying an unprecedented level of economic prosperity, natural disasters and low farm commodity prices are hurting farmers nationwide. I have seen firsthand the devastating effects facing farmers in my state. The farmers near LeRoy, Kansas, must sell their wheat, milo, corn and soybeans at record low prices, primarily because export markets for these products have been shut out. Farmers simply cannot survive under these conditions. The correlation between fast track authority and the recent decline in farm prices is unmistakable. When U.S. presidents have had fast track authority, commodity prices have remained stable. However, prices have sharply declined for these products since 1996 when fast track authority expired. Approval of fast track is a vital step in relieving the burden that has fallen so heavily on the backs of American farm families. It is wrong. It is absolutely wrong for us to prevent our hard-working farmers from earning a living and feeding their families while they allow us to feed our own. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the President to stand up for American farmers and approve fast track authority.”