Arlen Specter: “I seek recognition to give my reasons for supporting the Senate passage of H.R. 2419, The Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy…”

“I seek recognition to give my reasons for supporting the Senate passage of H.R. 2419, The Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007, also known as the 2007 farm bill. I am voting for it notwithstanding the subsidies that have grown since the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, and I believe moving toward a free market for agriculture is highly desirable. Many constituents in my home State of Pennsylvania have contacted me to express support for final passage of the 5-year 2007 farm bill as soon as possible. Agriculture is Pennsylvania's No. 1 industry, contributing about $45 billion to the economy through production, food processing, marketing, transportation and manufacturing. Since taking office in 1981, I have fought hard for agriculture and nutrition programs. The many provisions in the bill that are beneficial to Pennsylvania include the Milk Income Loss Contract program for our dairy producers, increased funding for specialty crops, increased funding for nutrition programs, and increased funding for conservation programs. While other regions have received more money in previous farm bills through subsidy programs for cotton, rice, wheat, soybean, and corn, this farm bill directs more money to agriculture products in Pennsylvania than previous farm bills.”