Mike Conaway

I am proud of the work that we have accomplished over the years, and I am proud of the work of the farmers, ranchers, and forest owners who implement these important conservation practices.

I want to get nutrition to people who need it, but I don't want to put cash in the hands of people who might use that against the folks that need our assistance.

The current Federal Guest Worker Program, H-2A, has serious problems. The program is in need of a major overhaul.

Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of living in this country, and all the blessings that that bestows upon us.

We know we have a broken immigration system in this country, and we must figure out how to go about fixing it in a bipartisan manner.

Do you guys know how important you are? You're our advocates.

Federal immigration policy must balance enforcement with a humane and effective program to allow foreign-born workers to come here to do the produce harvesting and processing jobs that Americans simply won't.

every $1 of Federal expenditure has a payback of about $20 to the American public.

I feel very strongly we must not, not retreat from international trade agreements.

I personally believe that the values where food is largely grown and produced in rural America includes taking care of neighbors in need.

Clearly, if USDA does not withdraw this rule, Congress must continue to act legislatively.

NRECA supports this request not only because it is a reasonable adjustment for today's farming economics.

Cutting lifesaving programs does not improve upon assistance or stretch dollars to reach more people.

the change in policies has created a real sense of fear within the immigrant community and that has begun to result in increasing problems for produce providers in being able to retain workers.

I implore the Committee to make sugarbeet research funding a priority in the 2018 Farm Bill to ensure a brighter future for both our families and our customers.

I believe that economic activity and conservation go hand in hand and we are always looking for new, innovative conservation programs.

I believe in crop insurance. It is a critical program for our country.

The bottom line is that the H-2A Program is insufficient for meeting the needs of our growers, and it disproportionately hurts small farmers.

If the current situation continues or gets worse, produce providers are expecting you to ACT on their behalf, jurisdiction or no jurisdiction.

It's important that we keep these programs funded to safeguard their continued success, and above all else--these programs must stay voluntary.

Without the dedicated and skilled workers to harvest the fruit and vegetable crops grown here in this country, logic dictates that we as a nation will then have to source those commodities from other countries.

The bottom line is that this program is insufficient for meeting the needs of our growers and packers.

Ag is the number one industry in the State of Illinois. It's not up in Chicago, it's agriculture, and we need to remind folks of that.

The United States must lead, not be led.

The reality is we have a dairy program today that is an ineffective safety net.