Farm Bill Update

I am concerned that we are nearing the end of 2007 and the Senate has not completed its work on the Farm Bill. While there is still the possibility the Senate will return after the district work period and take up debate on this important legislation, I am concerned it will not be soon enough for our farmers.

It is because of these concerns and on behalf of agriculture producers in the 19th District and across America, I teamed up with two of my fellow West Texas colleagues, Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) and Congressman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11), as well as Congressman Jerry Moran (KS-01) and House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06), to introduce legislation that would extend the 2002 Farm Bill for an additional year. Since many of the provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill expired on September 30th, it was imperative to take action to protect the farmers and ranchers of the 19th District, as well as those around this great nation, until the Senate’s work is done.

My strong preference, and the preference farmers and ranchers have conveyed to me, is we complete work on the five-year Farm Bill.  This will provide certainty for the planning decisions farmers need to make. With time running short this year, our one-year extension provides the time Congress needs to work out a good five-year Farm Bill that can be signed into law as soon as it is completed. We should not leave farmers guessing what farm policy will be or how long it will take to complete. We need a Farm Bill that protects and promotes American agriculture and assists the dedicated farmers who work diligently to bring their food and products to the American people.

Protecting our Children from Internet Predators

Last week, I voted for five overwhelmingly bipartisan bills to protect our children from internet predators. It is unfortunate that while the internet continues to grow and provide a wealth of information, many perverse individuals use this technology to lure our children into dangerous situations. As this technology advances, it is becoming more difficult to monitor and prevent such encounters.

Parents are the first line of defense in this effort. However, strengthening these laws against online predators will help parents keep their children safer and give law enforcement the tools they need to get these predators off the internet and behind bars where they belong. These five bills work together to protect our children. They enhance our ability to effectively monitor the internet and create a public awareness campaign, while prosecuting these predators and imposing stronger penalties.  With these actions, Congress is working in a bipartisan manner to protect those who need it most.

The five bills I voted for are listed below:

• H.R 3461 - Safeguarding America's Families by Enhancing and Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act of 2007;
• H.R. 3845 - PROTECT Our Children Act of 2007;
• H.R. 719 - Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act of 2007;
• H.R. 4120 - Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act;
• H.R. 4136 - Enhancing the Effective Prosecution of Child Pornography Act of 2007.

    As always, if you would like additional information on any piece of legislation, feel free to contact my staff via our toll free number (888) 763-1611 or visit www.thomas.gov.
   
    On Thanksgiving Remembering Those Far From Home
   
    There is nothing nobler than to put on the uniform and serve our country to preserve and promote freedom. The sacrifices the brave men and women of the armed services and their families are tremendous and they all are owed a debt of gratitude that can never be paid, nor forgotten.
   
    As we reflect on this past year and all the blessings bestowed upon us, we are grateful for those who answer the call of duty, defending and preserving the very freedoms we Americans hold dear. This time of year it is especially difficult, when families traditionally come together to celebrate. Yet many loved ones will not be joining their families this year.
   
    I am profoundly grateful for the sacrifices and the bravery of our members of the armed services. They are always in my prayers and hope they are in yours as well. May God bless our soldiers and may God continue to bless America.

--Randy