Agriculture

Agriculture

As a new member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I will continue my work on behalf of Southeast Texas farmers as we craft a fair and comprehensive 2007 Farm Bill.  Throughout my time in Congress I have worked to protect and aid our family farmers who serve as the backbone of this nation, providing agricultural products that include a safe and reliable supply of food and energy. 

In recent years, agriculture in Texas has lost ground as family farms have struggled to make ends meet.  The Farm Security Act of 2002, which I supported, was a critical step in providing aid and a new safety net program to farmers.   This year we must go further in reforming programs that will provide farmers with adequate aid, along with new technologies and improved infrastructure that will expand and improve production and market access. 

As a leader in the search for new and expanded markets for Southeast Texas farmers, I led a trade delegation of Southeast Texas Farm Bureau members to Cuba in 1999.  I firmly support a renewed effort to re-open trade with Cuba in addition to expanding trade of American agricultural products to other nations. 

As our nation struggles with a dependence on foreign oil, we must recognize that we have no choice but to research, develop and transition to alternative energy sources.  Through promotion of new crops for energy, we can bolster our nation’s struggling farms, aid American consumers who are struggling with sky-rocketing gas prices, and at the same time protect our homeland by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.  I will push legislation that encourages and propels research and development of alternative energy sources, including cellulosic ethanol and bio-diesel, through my seat on the Agriculture Committee, and my Chairmanship of the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment. As a longtime proponent of alternative fuels, especially bio-energy, I look forward to joining with our nation’s farmers to lead the way towards energy independence.

Additional Resources:

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Texas Farm Service Agency
• House Committee on Agriculture