Speech #1050144482

Speaker. I rise today in opposition to the rule for consideration of the conference report on S. 1150. which permits a point of order to be raised against a critical provision of the bill. As filed. the conference report will allow the restoration of food stamp benefits to about 250.000 legal immigrants who lost their eligibility as a result of the 1996 welfare reform bill. Sadly. although the cost of this provision is more than offset. some of my colleagues are attempting to strike it from the bill. jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of thousands of needy families. This is an excellent. carefully crafted bill. and it is unfortunate that its quick passage is being threatened by those who do not believe that food stamps should be restored to some of the most vulnerable children. elderly and disabled persons in our society. The conference report is supported by a strong coalition of groups representing farmers. ranchers. crop insurers. researchers. immigrants and religious and community activists. It provides new funding. sets forth important reforms to our crop insurance and agriculture research programs. and helps provide the tools to ensure that the United States will remain at the forefront of agricultural productivity and competitiveness into the 21st century. I know how important this bill is to the agriculture community in my congressional district and throughout rural America. and I am dismayed that certain members of this body would stand in its way in order to indulge in an unnecessary and meanspirited. partisan confrontation. I urge my colleagues to preserve the delicate balance represented by this conference report. If passed as written. it will meet the urgent needs of the crop insurance industry. Americas agricultural research institutions. rural communities seeking development assistance. and the most vulnerable legal immigrants. A vote for this rule will send a clear message to rural Americans and to needy immigrants that their needs are of secondary importance to partisan politics. That would be a tragedy. and it can be avoided by casting a no vote.