March 2008

 

 

In Washington D.C.

 

On Wednesday, March 12, 2008 the House of Representatives passed a 30 day extension of the 2002 Farm Bill.  This extension of the current Farm Bill comes after the December 18, 2007 extension that was included in the end of the year Omnibus Spending Bill.  The difference that remains in the House and Senate is how much to allocate for the baseline; there also has been no agreement made on what tax measures to include to offset the possible $10 billion that may be added on to the $597 billion baseline.  The 2002 Farm Bill has been extended through April 18, 2008. 

 

I am hopeful that Congress will be able to pass a Farm Bill that will benefit Hoosier farmers and agribusinesses.  The agriculture community needs certainty in the market with the volatile commodity prices.  We are seeing high corn prices coupled with high energy prices.  For now the energy prices are here to stay but the same can not be said about corn prices; we need to make sure that we have a farm bill that will be resilient against fluctuating market prices. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

 

 

 

Energy

 

            To become an energy independent nation, unconstrained by a reliance on foreign oil and gas, we need to responsibly develop and access our Nation’s resources and promote new technologies that will produce clean, efficient energy.  Last month, the Democrat controlled House of Representatives passed an Energy Tax Bill that would raise the already soaring energy costs.  This tax bill would permit credits on energy production to expire, allowing American energy to be taxed by $18 billion.  Allowing these tax credits to expire will hinder our energy production, passing increased energy prices on to the consumer.

 

When the democrats took control of Congress oil was priced at $58 a barrel, now oil is priced at over a $100 a barrel.  Gasoline prices have skyrocketed under Democratic power, increasing from a nationwide average of $2.33 per gallon on the day Rep. Pelosi became Speaker to over $3.15 per gallon now.  For our country to be energy independent and bring energy costs down, we need to be able to access our energy resources in cost efficient terms- not increase production tax.

 

 

Research and Education

 

I have sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture in support of funding for the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS) to be included in the final version of the Farm Bill.  In the letter of support I asked to prevent the elimination of this competitive grant that supports integrating research with extension and teaching.  IFAFS funding was enacted a number of years ago to address critical issues  in our agriculture and food systems; funding research and education programs in the areas of biofuels, air quality issues associated with livestock operations and new crop production.

 

            The IFAFS grant is offered to land grant universities, such as Purdue University, where research and testing for biofuels and safe food systems take place.  This grant would directly affect Purdue along with Indiana by expanding research capabilities and help Indiana be on the cutting edge of technologies.  Purdue University has been very competitive in receiving this grant in the past and looks to be competitive in the future- that is why I support the funding to be included in the Farm Bill. The Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems funding is allocated for $2 million annually and is currently scheduled to be phased out in 2010. 

 

Free Trade

 

            Trade is a very key component to the agricultural community, which is why Congress extended trade agreements with Panama and needs to do the same with Colombia and Peru.  The U.S. - Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents an opportunity to generate better, high paying jobs and raise the standard of living for American workers.  The U.S.-Colombia FTA will knock down trade barriers and level the playing field for U.S. workers and businesses, expanding exports and creating valuable jobs here at home.  It is very important that the Democrat controlled Congress extends these Free Trade Agreements to allow increases in trade and continue with friendly ally relationships.

 

            I welcome your input regarding legislation going through Congress and your views on issues.  Please do not hesitate to contact with any concerns or questions, especially in the next 30 days as negotiations continue with the authorization of the 2007 Farm Bill.  You may call Anjulen Anderson at (202)225-5037, contact me through my website at www.stevebuyer.house.gov , or send your letters to:

 

Congressman Steve Buyer

                             2230 Rayburn House Office Building

                             Washington, DC 20515