Mike Conaway: “I want to thank Chairman Lucas as well as Ranking Member Peterson for the great work they've done in getting us to this…”

“I want to thank Chairman Lucas as well as Ranking Member Peterson for the great work they've done in getting us to this point. It's been bipartisan, and it's been an honor to work with both these gentlemen. This bill wasn't written overnight. This bill that we'll consider today or tomorrow or the next couple of days is the result of 4 years of debate, a 2-year audit of every single policy in the USDA, as well as 40 hearings and the second markup last month and now the floor debate. This landmark bill saves taxpayers billions over the next 10 years while making the greatest reforms in food policy since 1996. There are many reasons why this balanced, equitable, and market- oriented farm bill is deserving of support. As we consider this legislation, I hope every Member of Congress will really think about how important it is to walk the walk rather than just talk the talk. This is a piece of legislation, not an opportunity for theatrics. The difference between those who don't support this legislation and those who do is simple: the first group talks about cutting spending, talks about cutting the deficit, talks about making reforms, and talks about reducing the size of government, and the farm bill and its supporters actually do all of those things.…”