Paul Announces Agriculture Agenda for Congress

FOR RELEASE: May 25, 2000

Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, Congressman Ron Paul announced his agriculture agenda for the 106th Congress. In a letter to constituents in the agriculture industry, Paul outlined the five areas on which he has been focusing his energies: commodity prices, expedited weather-related emergency aid, creating permanent income averaging, eliminating the estate tax and protecting the family farm.

"I believe the answer to the crisis in commodity prices is to expand access to markets," said Paul. "I introduced legislation promoting trade with Cuba and have asked the President to permit more trade with Iraq."

Paul has also actively supported legislation to make income averaging permanent. He was a cosponsor of a FARRM accounts bill in both the 105th and 106th Congresses. Last year, it finally passed but was vetoed by President Clinton. He said he would continue working to get FARRM signed into law, as well as eliminating the estate tax that has broken up many family farms due to the immense tax burden.

Paul said, "I want to see a complete end to the estate tax, and I have cosponsored legislation to achieve that goal. It is a crime that so many families are forced sell their land when loved ones pass away just to pay their taxes."

Other items on Paul's agriculture agenda are the "Agricultural Education Freedom Act," which would exempt students from paying taxes on animals raised and sold through programs such as the 4-H or FFA, and HR 1617, which breaks up the monopoly of meat packers and regulatory agencies to cut red tape on local farmers and ranchers.

Questions concerning Paul's agriculture agenda should be directed to Phil Boyd-Robertson in the Congressman's Victoria office at 361-576-1231.