On July, 11, 2012, the House Agriculture Committee approved H.R. 6083, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012.  I believe H.R. 6083 is a balanced, reform-minded, and fiscally responsible bill.  Given the difficult economic times, I believe Congress must continue to work within a realistic budget, establish clear priorities, and use restraint in the expenditure of taxpayer funds with regard to agricultural programs.

The House of Representatives should bring H.R. 6083 to the floor for a vote.  Our nation's farmers and ranchers need the certainty of a new five-year Farm Bill, and they need it before the current farm bill ends on September 30, 2012.  As you may know we are currently operating under the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007, known as the 2008 Farm Bill.  This legislation addresses issues including agriculture, food stamps and nutrition, land and water conservation, and energy independence.  

The impact of the Farm Bill on Idaho’s farming and ranching families cannot be overestimated.  Our ability to maintain a safe and domestic supply of food in the United States is tied directly to the policies put forth in the Farm Bill.  People in our nation appreciate the complexities of maintaining a domestic supply of food, and we have to do everything we can to keep our food grown right here in the United States.