Thomas Daschle: “Today we address two issues vital to our Nation's farmers and ranchers: the need to reform the Federal Crop Insurance…”

“Today we address two issues vital to our Nation's farmers and ranchers: the need to reform the Federal Crop Insurance Program, and the need for financial relief to help producers deal with the third year in a row of low prices. I support this Crop Insurance conference report, and I will vote for it. But I must also express my deep concerns about the farm relief provisions of the bill. Half of this bill represents Congress at its best. Last year Congress was given a mandate to improve the federal crop insurance program--both by the strength of public support for reform, and by the Budget Committee's allocation of $6 billion last year and $8 billion this year expressly to implement that reform. Half of this bill responds to that call, and offers increased benefits to farmers. Those benefits are well-conceived, and they are equitable. The program invests public resources in a system that effectively leverages funds in the private sector, and empowers producers to use their own best judgment in managing their production risk. However, I believe that the other half of this bill represents a low moment for Congress.”