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Frankly Speaking - Agriculture
USDA Proposal Threatens Rural America’s Access to Assistance Programs
May 13, 2016This week the House Agriculture Committee heard from a variety of retailers, including Love’s Travel Stops in Oklahoma, about their experience working with SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Under a new USDA proposal, there is a growing concern from many retailers and convenience stores that they will no longer be able to accept SNAP benefits.
Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture CommitteeA Tradition of Service and Leadership
Feb 23, 2016This column appeared in Farm Policy Facts in celebration of National FFA Week.
Every year, FFA shapes the next generation of young leaders. It’s the perfect blend of classroom, hands-on and leadership activities that prepares students for success in whatever they choose to pursue.
Filed under: AgricultureReputation of GMO Foods Falls Short of the Science
Jul 15, 2015
Everyone’s got to eat. So in agriculture, we are always planning for tomorrow. Not only does our livelihood depend on it, millions of Americans rely on access to affordable and safe produce to feed their families. However, most people don’t think too much about how their meal made it to their plate.
Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture Committee, Science and Tech CommitteeFarm Bill Provides Safety Net for Producers and Consumers
Feb 6, 2014Congress delivered America’s farmers, ranchers and consumers what they deserve by passing the Agricultural Act of 2014 – commonly referred to as the farm bill. This five-year comprehensive bill ensures producers have the tools they need to provide an affordable and stable food and fiber supply.
Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture Committee, Economy, Energy, General, TaxesTime to Cut Spending and Open the Government
Oct 10, 2013On October 1, the United States experienced the first government shutdown since 1996. The constituents of Oklahoma’s Third District and many others across the country have felt the negative effects of the shutdown and are sadly still feeling them today. Everything from the closure of the national parks, USDA stopping collection of market data, VA administrative delays, and the furlough of many federal workers has directly impacted Americans nationwide at a time when they can ill afford it. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more they will suffer.
Filed under: Agriculture, Constituent Services, Economy, General, Health Care, Homeland Security and Defense, Immigration, Science and Tech Committee, TaxesReining in the EPA to Foster a Healthier Economy
Aug 2, 2013For years, President Obama and his Administration have been touting that they are for an “all-of-the-above” energy policy. As the president continues to repeat this same rhetoric, it is obvious he is all but for this type of energy approach. Recently, he has made speeches directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen existing rules and regulations. Instead of fostering a healthy economy with a real “all-of-the-above” energy approach, he has actually waged an indiscreet war on most of America’s main energy sources.
Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture Committee, Economy, Energy, General, TaxesHouse Republican Budget Provides Balance and Opportunity
Mar 22, 2013Recently, the United States House of Representatives passed ‘The Path to Prosperity: A Responsible, Balanced Budget.’ I am encouraged to see the House has put forth a plan that will help balance the federal government’s checkbook, restore financial stability and create jobs in our country. At a time when we are over $16.7 trillion in debt, a solid plan is essential to helping fix the fiscal crises we are facing today.
Filed under: Agriculture, Energy, General, TaxesAmerican Taxpayer Relief Act: A Step in the Right Direction
Jan 4, 2013Click HERE to listen to Congressman Lucas’ Frankly Speaking provided below:
Recently, I voted for passage of H.R. 8, the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which prevented our country from going over the fiscal cliff. While I realize this legislation is not perfect, it was necessary to protect the constituents of Oklahoma’s Third Congressional District and all American taxpayers from what would have been the largest tax hike in history.
Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture Committee, Economy, GeneralAmerican Energy: Obama’s Actions Speak Louder Than His Words
May 17, 2012Washington, D.C. - President Barack Obama has been hitting the campaign trail hard touting his administration’s “all-of-the-above” energy policy. Unfortunately, when it comes to domestic energy, his actions speak louder than his words.
Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture Committee, Constituent Services, Economy, EnergyDelay in Approval of Keystone Pipeline is a Delay in Job Creation
Jan 17, 2012On December 23, 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law H.R. 3765, which requires the President to consider issuing a permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline within 60 days, unless he determines the project would not serve the interest of the United States. This project would create 20,000 direct jobs and spur the creation of 118,000 spin-off jobs. Additionally, the pipeline will carry 100,000 barrels per day of oil from the U.S. Bakken to Oklahoma and Gulf Coast refineries, while in-turn easing our dependence on foreign countries for U.S. oil supply.
Filed under: Agriculture, Economy, Energy