Larry Combest: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 169 is a simple bill and would simply add hogs and pork product to the pilot investigation on beef and…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 169 is a simple bill and would simply add hogs and pork product to the pilot investigation on beef and lamb prices that was authorized last fall as a part of the omnibus appropriation. Many of our colleagues are aware that livestock prices, particularly those received by lamb and beef producers, have been distressingly low for some time. The pilot investigation that was included in last year's omnibus appropriations bill is a relatively nonintrusive way to shed some light on the workings of these complex markets. Last fall, when the omnibus bill was being crafted, the pork producers declined to be included in the USDA pilot investigation. However, recent and drastic declines in live hog prices have led pork producers to reconsider and ultimately reverse that decision. Thus, H.R. 169 will simply include pork in the ongoing pilot investigation.”