Stephanie Herseth Sandlin: “the well-being of family farms in America is critical to our economy and to the American way of life. Family farmers…”

“the well-being of family farms in America is critical to our economy and to the American way of life. Family farmers deserve certainty in pricing. They deserve certainty in legal protections. This legislation and bankruptcy reform is a part of that critical protection for American families and American farmers. Last year both the House and the Senate voted to make Chapter 12 permanent, and yet here we sit. No decision, no reform, no protection; and uncertainty reigns supreme. We all recognize that it is important to protect both the family farmer and the creditor who provides needed and necessary capital. Neither the farmer nor the creditors can afford endless uncertainty. Mr. Speaker, it is critical to help farmers now. We need a legitimate farm bill that is truly pro-agriculture. Additionally, we need legitimate protections for farmers as provided by this bill. Family farmers face uncertainty every day; it is nothing new. Weather, foreign markets, increasing competition from big corporate farmers, the list goes on and on. They should not face another uncertainty. We can prevent it. We can do something about it. We can pass this bill. We can tell American farmers and their families that their well-being is important to us. Now this bill is not the be-all and the end-all. It is a temporary fix; but one that is critical, nevertheless. Haul this safety net up for our farmers and their children.”