Joe Pitts: “Mr. Speaker, today we are addressing an issue important to the Amish communities of more than 20 States in this country.…”

“Mr. Speaker, today we are addressing an issue important to the Amish communities of more than 20 States in this country. In my district alone, approximately 30,000 Amish reside. People around the world know the old-order Amish to be a people who till the land and who live a disciplined, simple life. Traditionally, Amish communities are centered around the family farm. Amish parents show their children how to make a living by caring for crops and animals. However, combine the high growth rate and the soaring price of farm land and many Amish have been forced to look for alternatives to farming. Amish have now developed numerous small businesses in such things as carriages, lumber, clocks, wagons, cabinetry, and quilts. And it is in these businesses, just like on the farm, that the Amish train their youth to work and to learn the trade of their parents. As my colleagues may know, in the Amish culture idleness is forbidden.”