On the recordJune 6, 2012
following my remarks and those of my esteemed colleague, the first hour will be equally divided, with the Republicans controlling the first half and the majority controlling the final half. We hope to reach an agreement to begin consideration of the farm bill today. Madam President, in a time when too many of the products we buy are made overseas, America can be satisfied that most of the food we eat is grown right here at home. The American agricultural industry boasted a $42 billion trade surplus last year--greater than any other sector in our economy. Our farmers are the most productive in the world, exporting $136 billion worth of their yield last year. It is amazing how States produce agricultural products. The State of New York isn't considered by most people to be an agricultural State, but it is. The State of Michigan is not considered by most people to be an agricultural State, but it is. Even some of the States in the western part of the United States produce products that are exported. For example, in Nevada, alfalfa is exported. It is very high in protein. It is made into pellets, and it is a needed commodity overseas. So all over America the farm bill is important. Our farmers are the most productive in the world, exporting $136 billion worth of their yield last year. At a time of economic uncertainty, America's agricultural industry supports 16 million much needed jobs.…





