It is important that we are united in opposition to cutting our programs. The Administration’s budget proposal calls for $265 billion in mandatory farm bill cuts and I would anticipate some members looking to that document as a blueprint when it comes time to debate the farm bill on the floor.
Opening Statement by Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson
Business Meeting to consider the Budget Views and Estimates Letter of the Committee on Agriculture for the agencies and programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee for fiscal year 2019
--As Prepared for Delivery--
“Thank you Mr. Chairman and good morning everyone.
“As the Chairman outlined, and the views and estimates letter makes clear, farm prices have dropped in recent years and agriculture is facing difficult times. Agriculture and nutrition programs have also provided significant budget savings over CBO’s estimates. It is for these reasons that I am opposed to any attempts to further reduce farm bill program spending.
“We have a new farm bill to write this year and, quite frankly, it’s not going to be easy without any new money. But I think we all understand that is the situation we are operating under and we should be able to work together to make sure our farm bill programs are operating as efficiently as possible.
“It is important that we are united in opposition to cutting our programs. The Administration’s budget proposal calls for $265 billion in mandatory farm bill cuts and I would anticipate some members looking to that document as a blueprint when it comes time to debate the farm bill on the floor.
“With that said, I’m proud to say the Chairman and I are still working together to reach agreement on a bipartisan farm bill that can hopefully be unveiled in the coming weeks. I look forward to continuing this collaboration throughout the farm bill reauthorization process. I yield back.”
