“I stand here before you today to serve as a voice for America’s rural farm families,” said Ross. “In 2002 when we passed the Farm Bill, the President, along with Congress, made a deal with America’s farmers that when commodity prices went down, the money would be available to help producers and when prices were high, the money would not be spent. That is the premise of the Farm Bill, and so far, it’s working, as evidenced by the fact that the farm program has cost $15 billion less than projections. The President’s new budget goes back on his word and attempts to cut the deficit on the backs of America’s farm families.

“Furthermore, the President is expected to ask Congress for an additional $80 billion in funding for Iraq and Afghanistan next week. I have always supported additional funding needed to help our brave men and women in uniform carry-out their mission, and this time will be no exception. But part of his funding request is expected to include a $780 million buyout for drug farmers in Afghanistan! For the President to provide support to help Afghan farmers but not our farmers here at home is wrong. 

“Our farm families pride themselves in providing our nation and much of the world with a safe, reliable, and abundant supply of food and fiber. Because of the impact farmers feel on circumstances beyond their control such as market prices, skyrocketing energy costs, and devastating weather conditions, a safety net is still necessary. Foreign competitors are already outspending us six-to-one when it comes to assistance for farmers, and the President’s budget cuts to agriculture will place our farm families at an even greater disadvantage. 

“As a Member of the conservative Blue Dog Coalition that promotes fiscal discipline within our nation’s government, I am glad the President has set a goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009. However, to cut our deficit on the backs of our hardworking farm families is morally wrong, and I will not accept it.”