On the recordJuly 11, 2013
Today I rise in support of H.R. 2642, the farm bill. Like many of my colleagues in this body, I am honored to represent a district with a deep agricultural heritage. Because I am a doctor by trade, not a farmer, it has been important for me to get to know the farmers in my district over the last 3 years. As I travel around the First District, nearly every producer I meet with stresses the importance of passing a long-term farm bill. The programs in the farm bill are important to keeping our farmers in business with some certainty. I know some will say this bill isn't perfect. Some want more reform. Some would like more spending, and some would like less. Yet, I urge all of you to strongly consider moving H.R. 2642 forward. We have one thing in common: we all need to eat. Our country is the breadbasket of the world. Let's keep that in mind and remember our farmers who produce our food here today. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
