Angie Craig: “Mr. Chair, USDA loan programs have helped thousands of farmers and ranchers access the capital they need to feed people…”

“Mr. Chair, USDA loan programs have helped thousands of farmers and ranchers access the capital they need to feed people throughout the Nation and beyond. Opening up these critical loan programs to the vague and broadly defined ``fish processing businesses'' in this amendment could lead to unintended consequences. By their definition, a food manufacturer that processes fish, fish sticks, and 100 other nonseafood products would qualify for a USDA direct Farm Operating Loan, even if they are thousands of miles from the nearest seafood source. I encourage the sponsors of this amendment to seek technical assistance to close these giant loopholes, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this flawed amendment.”