Jodey Arrington: “I thank the gentleman from Washington State for his leadership and the floor debate. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in…”

“I thank the gentleman from Washington State for his leadership and the floor debate. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 2018 farm bill, and I thank Chairman Conaway, Collin Peterson, and all the members of the House Agriculture Committee staff for all their hard work. There is no single piece of legislation more important in my district or rural communities throughout this Nation than the farm bill, and given the depressed state of the farm economy, there has never been a more pressing time to get one passed. The 2018 farm bill significantly strengthens the agriculture safety net, which will give our producers the certainty they need to keep providing a safe and affordable supply of food to our families. It also makes important investments in rural infrastructure to help sustain these small towns that are so critical to our vibrant agriculture economy. Additionally, 18 of the 21 House-passed reforms to the Food Stamp program are reflected in the final report, which strengthen the program's integrity, provide needed oversight, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. Finally, this farm bill stewards the American taxpayer monies in a fiscally responsible way by having a farm bill that is budget neutral. Mr. Speaker, agriculture and traditional American values go hand in hand. Farmers and ranchers represent more than food and fiber. They symbolize a culture of faith, hard work, and independence, which has always been at the heart of America's greatness.…”