On the recordJune 26, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I support this bill even though I, too, wished we could do more. At the outset, let me recognize the work of the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Combest) and state for the record that I agree with him that American agriculture is in need of immediate assistance, and that producers of our food and fiber are at risk. Last year crop prices were at a 27-year low for soybeans, a 25-year low for cotton, a 14-year low for wheat and corn and an 8-year low for rice. Very little recovery has occurred since that time. The need for the $5.5 billion in assistance provided by this bill is so great that a doubling of this amount could easily be utilized. Because this is the fourth year in a row that we have provided ad hoc assistance to compensate for low commodity prices, however, I consider it crucial that we provide aid with a view toward the long term.
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