I remain concerned about attempts to reopen the bill, whether by making changes to crop insurance, SNAP or any other farm bill program. This is a very bad idea and could put everything we worked for in jeopardy. I hope that this Committee will remain united in opposition to additional cuts to farm bill programs. Quite frankly, the Agriculture Committee has done our work.

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn., today announced the Democratic Ranking Members and Subcommittee membership for the House Agriculture Committee’s six Subcommittees.

This is a great group of both new and returning members who care about the wide variety of issues overseen by the Agriculture Committee. I look forward to working with them, Chairman Conaway and members on the other side of the aisle this Congress.

This legislation will significantly open the Cuban market for our nation’s farmers and ranchers, who have struggled to get their products to Cuba due to the cash in advance requirement and prohibition of direct transactions.

The Margin Protection Program will help dairy farmers better manage the risks associated with dairy production and help alleviate dramatic consumer price fluctuations at the grocery store. I am pleased so many producers took the time to learn about the new safety net and chose to enroll in the program.

Today's announcement leaves the future of ethanol, biodiesel and other advanced biofuels up in the air. The RFS has played a major role in keeping the rural economy strong and continued inaction could put that in jeopardy.

As a fellow CPA, I think we can find common ground as the Committee oversees farm bill implementation and reauthorizing the CFTC during the next Congress. The Agriculture Committee has a strong bipartisan tradition, which I look forward to continuing under Chairman Conaway.

Beginning Monday, farmers will be able to visit their local FSA offices to learn more about these important risk management tools and make the best decision for their individual operation.

The work pilot programs that we’re looking at today are an example of the bipartisan, cooperative work the Agriculture Committee does so well. We authorized these pilot projects because we value work and we want to put people back to work.

This legislation is necessary because, in my view, the EPA does not seem to understand the real world effects these regulations will have on farmers across the country.