I believe this is the 15th hearing the Committee has held to review SNAP – it’s certainly been a thorough review. Hopefully what we learn today can be combined with the information from past hearings and we can focus on developing good policy.

Political documents in a political year are not the answer to improving nutrition programs. This proposal is strikingly similar to amendments that nearly derailed the 2014 Farm Bill. I believe that if the House chooses to go down this path we will never be able to pass another farm bill.

This is a challenge but I also think it presents a great opportunity for production agriculture. While many have no problem throwing food away, many Americans are still struggling to feed their families. There is a role for farmers and ranchers to play. They can, and should, step up to the plate to meet these needs.

I’ve heard from folks all across the country who want to farm or start a career in agriculture. But if they didn’t grow up on a farm, or have some other connection to farming, it’s nearly impossible for them to get started.

While the higher targets move in the right direction, the numbers don’t reflect the potential that exists for biofuels use and production in the United States.

This Committee focuses so much on farmers that the perspective of food retailers and the role they play in getting food to consumers can be lost. For many, a grocery store may not be easily accessible.

Agriculture is no stranger to fluctuating commodity prices and we’ve all witnessed the impact of extreme highs and lows. When commodity prices drop, rural communities, landowners, farmers and business all feel the impact. This is why it is important that we maintain a strong safety net and support a wide range of opportunities for rural citizens.

I’ve been urging, for some time now, that the Committee take a good look at the flexibility states have when administering SNAP. I understand that this is done to simplify the process but I worry that it’s gone too far and they now have too much leeway.

While the rural economy remains strong, folks are getting concerned about the potential long-term impacts of deteriorating prices. Of course, this is why those of us on the Agriculture Committee work so hard to pass a farm bill every five years. I do have some concerns with the current bill but it’s at low price times like this that the bill’s safety net is so important.

I’m looking forward to hearing more about the Commission’s efforts to harmonize its rules with foreign regulators, create margin rules as a protection in the un-cleared swaps market, address cybersecurity and automated trading, and improve data collection.