David Rouzer

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 218.

Mr. Chair, today, we are passing one of the most critical pieces of legislation to come before any Congress--the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, or the 2026 Farm Bill. This is the next step forward in strengthening America's safety net for our farmers and safeguarding our Nation's food security.

North Carolina is fortunate to be one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country. Agriculture contributes more than $113 billion to our state's economy and remains our number one industry. However, its importance cannot be measured in dollars alone--a secure food supply is essential to our national security.

This bill protects North Carolina agriculture from crazy state- imposed laws designed to ultimately lead to the elimination of animal agriculture. Additionally, the bill expands support for specialty crops and enhances disaster assistance for hurricane-prone states. It also addresses pressing issues in our rural communities, such as water contamination challenges.

I would like to thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing a Farm Bill that supports the farm families who provide the safest, most abundant food and fiber supply in the world. I would also like to thank the very hard-working House Agriculture Committee staff for all of their work. This accomplishment would not have been achieved without them.

I urge my colleagues in the Senate to advance this legislation so that our Nation's farmers can continue to farm and meet the food and nutritional needs of America and the world.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, boy, do I have many stories that I could tell, but I will not. No one cared more for the people of California and for America than Doug. As a fourth-generation rice farmer, he was the true embodiment of the steward of the land and a great steward of common sense, too, I might add.

He understood the needs of rural America and had such a genuine desire to serve the people who lived there. Doug and I worked closely on many issues, but one of my fondest memories was hosting him in North Carolina for an agriculture roundtable. He engaged with my constituents, speaking their language, and truly listening to their concerns.

Doug LaMalfa stood tall, both literally and figuratively, for the people who feed this country. To know Doug was an honor and a privilege. His absence will have a profound void in this Chamber. This body and the Nation will miss him deeply.

Mr. Speaker, my prayers are with his wife, Jill; his children; his grandchildren; the entire LaMalfa family, including his great staff. I thank them for sharing him with us in service to our country.