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Congressman Hinojosa: On The Issues
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Agriculture & Rural Development
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Agriculture has long been the mainstay of the South Texas economy. However, in many parts of the 15th District, increasing urbanization is moving rural economies away from their agricultural base toward a service and industrial economy. This creates unique challenges for rural communities. Providing access to services, adequate housing, employment opportunities for young people and supporting farmers and ranchers are critical if rural communities are to thrive. Congressman Hinojosa knows the difficulties farmers, ranchers and rural communities face and has worked to open new world markets for agricultural products and to provide federal assistance when needed.

Specialty crops have often been overlooked both in farm legislation focused on large grain crops and in U.S. trade policy. Congressman Hinojosa has cosponsored HR 1600, the Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act or EAT Healthy America Act. This critical legislation will continue and expand upon previous congressional efforts to ensure an abundant and affordable supply of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other specialty crops for American consumers and international market and enhance the competitiveness of United States-grown specialty crops.

Congressman Hinojosa has supported trade agreements to open new markets for South Texas agricultural products in China, Africa and the Caribbean. At the same time, he is scrutinizing new proposals such as the Free Trade of the Americas Agreement and the Central American Free Trade Agreement to make sure that South Texas farmers are protected from unfair competition.

As co-founder of the Congressional Rural Housing Caucus, Congressman Hinojosa has fought to maintain funding for critical programs that help rural communities build affordable housing and repair substandard housing.

Hinojosa was a strong supporter of the Farm Security Act that set federal farm policy for the next five years. The bill made needed reforms to the federal payment system that will more equitably compensate farmers for loss.

Farm workers are critical to the U.S. agriculture industry. Congressman Hinojosa is a cosponsor of the Ag Jobs bill that has broad support in both the labor and agribusiness community. The bill will allow farm workers to legalize their status and provides for an expedited guest worker program.

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U.S. House of Representatives
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Washington, DC 20515

Phone: (202) 225-2531
Fax: (202) 225-5688
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Edinburg, TX 78539


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