Agriculture is a vital part of the Seventh District’s economy.   It is important that Congress support the growth and development of the agriculture industry by fighting for policies that will encourage economic growth in Missouri and nationwide.  The United States has been the world’s leading agricultural producer for many years and with our vast natural resources we need to keep it that way.  Agricultural products are a source of significant exports, which benefits our overall economy while providing Americans with a stable, safe, and nutritious food supply.

Unfortunately, the agriculture community is burdened with too much paperwork.  That is why I cosponsored the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act.  This piece of legislation would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the regulation of navigable waters.  Right now, the legislation regarding navigable waters is murky and hard to follow.  Without reforming the language of the bill, there will be increased burdens on the agriculture industry from extensive regulations and costly compliance costs.