On the recordDecember 4, 2013
It has been said that there is nothing that is wrong in America that can't be fixed by what is right in America. Clearly, there are very significant difficulties in this body. There is turmoil in our health care system. The paralysis in Washington, a sluggish economy, and a fractured culture all lend themselves to a search for deeper ideals and for something to cling to. Mr. Speaker, we are quite fortunate where I live in Nebraska to maintain a strong tradition and connection to the past, which gives guidance for the time in which we live. But we don't often reflect upon our strength. In the final analysis, it really is our land, it is our people, and it is our values. Recently, in the heart of America's farm country, I had the pleasure of speaking with very attentive and engaged high school students eager to discuss the issues before our Nation. We discussed the proud history of our country, the Declaration of Independence, the ties that continue to define us as a Nation, and the debates that will define us as to where we go as a country. Mr. Speaker, an essential part of regaining our balance as a Nation is to understand, celebrate, and enhance America's rural heritage. As Americans are more and more removed from farm life, we don't think about the contribution rural life makes to the country as a whole. Production agriculture remains a key strength of America's economy. Exciting new opportunities are emerging.…
