Pete Sessions: “The Agricultural Act of 2014 is the culmination of a lot of hard work by our conferees, Representatives Mike Rogers and…”

“The Agricultural Act of 2014 is the culmination of a lot of hard work by our conferees, Representatives Mike Rogers and Martha Roby from Alabama, as well as my colleagues in the Senate, Senators Stabenow and Cochran and others. This important legislation contains a number of commendable measures. During my time in the Senate, I have been a strong supporter of Alabama's farmers and believe this legislation does make a number of positive reforms over the long term that should help in the effort to reduce, not grow, the involvement of the Federal Government in agriculture. For example, the legislation transitions farm subsidies from a system of direct payments to a more market-based crop insurance support program. Senator Lugar always favored that. I think many other people who have thought about agriculture think that is the right path to go. I have supported that. As a 5-year bill, this legislation should also give our farmers and their families some certainty that they need to make prudent planning decisions and give them choices to select programs that best meet their needs. I believe our farmers can move forward and help our Nation remain a global leader in the production of food and fiber which is critical to our economic well-being and national security.…”