On the recordJuly 11, 2013
I urge adoption of this farm bill. The farm bill before us was fully debated by this body and subjected to more than 100 amendments just a couple of weeks ago. More than 60 of those amendments were adopted. This body has had ample opportunity to work its will, and now it's time to vote for passage. Today, those of us who came to town to cut spending, reduce the deficit, reduce the size of government, and make reforms have a real opportunity to walk the walk. This farm bill does all of those things. This bill is going to save taxpayers $19.3 billion, it's going to repeal or consolidate more than 100 programs at USDA, and it's going to repeal the direct payment program, something that many of my farmers and ranchers back home do not really want to give up. {time} 1315 The farm bill also does a couple of other things. It is being considered separately on its own merits, as many in this body have called for, and it replaces antiquated permanent law so that we don't face things, like the dairy cliff, at the end of the year anymore. The bill before us reforms not just the politics of the farm bill, but the process as well. This farm bill has earned our support, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
