On the recordJune 18, 2013
One of the top requests that I hear from Montanans when I go back every weekend is Congress needs to pass a long-term farm bill. One in five of Montana jobs rely on agriculture, and it's past time for passage of a 5-year farm bill that protects and promotes Montana's number one industry. We need a farm bill that supports our rural communities and gives the ag community the certainty needed to plant the crops that feed our country and ensure a stable food supply. We need a farm bill that gives Montana farmers relief from burdensome regulations and encourages young people to remain active in their family farms. This bill also contains important provisions for our timber community, and for the health of our forests. As we begin fire season, we've already seen the terrible consequences of the lack of active forest management. It's important we give the Forest Service the necessary regulatory relief in order to protect our communities. In light of our Nation's escalating debt crisis, Congress must look to save taxpayer money wherever possible. I am pleased that the Ag Committee has made substantive, cost-saving changes to a wide variety of programs in the proposed farm bill, including reforms designed to reduce fraud and abuse in the distribution of food stamps. It's important to get the farm bill passed through the House, into conference, and on the President's desk before expiration. It's time to pass the farm bill.
