Agriculture
Giving our farmers and ranchers the certainty they need to feed and clothe America.
The 19th Congressional District boasts more than 14 million acres in farm land and produces more cotton than any other district in the country.
Our farmers and ranchers work hard to put food on our plates and clothes on our backs, but they do so in the face of tremendous uncertainty. Rising fuel prices make operating tractors and cotton pickers more costly, and a persistent drought is parching our already dry land.
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, one my top priorities is making sure our farmers and ranchers have consistent and reliable government policies in place so they can make sound business decisions. I think the best way to do this is to improve crop insurance so producers can protect themselves from large losses.
What to watch for in 2013
The 2008 Farm Bill expired in September of 2012. Congress extended most of its policies for one year to carry through the 2013 harvest season. Producers need long-term policy in place, however, to plan for the coming seasons, I supported the Federal Agricultural Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act, which passed out of the House Agriculture Committee in July of 2012. That bill would have saved $35 billion and repealed or consolidated more than 100 programs.
In 2013, I'll work to pass long-term policy that saves taxpayer dollars, improves program efficiency, and ensures a strong safety net for our farmers and ranchers.
Need more info? Check out these links:
House Committee on Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
Texas Department of Agriculture