By Tommy Horton
EDITOR'S NOTE – Rep. Travis Childers (D-Miss.) and Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) are members of the House Agriculture Committee and know the importance of working in a bipartisan manner in Congress – especially when it comes to cotton issues. In this interview with Cotton Farming, they discuss a broad range of topics affecting the industry.
Is bipartisanship a lost concept in Washington as it pertains to ag legislation?
Rep. Neugebauer: I don't think so. The agriculture committees have traditionally been among the most bipartisan committees in Congress. Any partisan tone farmers might think is coming from Washington is more a reflection of disagreement with overall priorities the majority party has pursued, particularly in the past year.
Rep. Childers: Of all important issue areas, agriculture may have the most promise for encouraging bipartisan cooperation. Regardless of party affiliation, Rural Caucus members are committed to working together to address the pressing and unique issues facing America's rural communities.
As we move into an election year, what are the major issues confronting the House Agriculture Committee?
Rep. Neugebauer: The Committee needs to continue looking at current policies, particularly full implementation of the last Farm Bill and see what is working, what is not working and what the appropriate action needs to be.
Rep. Childers: Right now, disaster assistance is one of the most pressing issues facing the agriculture industry, as so many producers throughout the country suffered severe crop loss due to last fall's heavy rains. In addition, the Committee will be closely watching the implementation of programs included in the 2008 Farm Bill that are now being rolled out.
source : cottonfarming
No comments:
Post a Comment