Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to deliver the next installment of my farm bill impact series--the state of agriculture.

We are at the end of the first quarter. National Agriculture Month just ended, and as Congress prepares to authorize the farm bill, we should examine the state of agriculture.

Agriculture is not just a business; it is a rich heritage and a lifestyle. Sadly, the distance from farm to fork has never been greater, and there are fewer legislators who have experience on the farm. Since Congress will reauthorize the farm bill in 2023, I am standing here today to remind Congress that for this legislation to be effective in ensuring the food security, and, therefore, the national security, of our Nation, we need to get in the field and consider the perspectives of farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers.

Last month, House Agriculture Committee Republican leader G.T. Thompson and I did just that on a tour of my district. We went to farms; we toured facilities; we ate at dinner tables; and we listened. We did it because hearing from producers is crucial to legislating well on matters that concern their livelihoods. Today, I will report to Congress on what they have been telling me about the economic, human, and natural resources surrounding their work, and what Kansas producers believe to be the state of agriculture.

A farmer or rancher's economic health depends on things like cash and assets on hand, protections against the government taxing the farm at transfer or death, and well-crafted farm bill programs like crop insurance.

You don't have to look far to know that producers are facing the highest input prices in 40 years. Fertilizer is four to five times higher than it was at this time last year, if you can even get it. Equipment is back-ordered for 6 to 8 months. Parts are at least double the cost. On our trip, Republican leader Thompson and I hosted a roundtable with Kansas commodity groups, and all of them told me that if we cannot get input prices and inflation under control, today's farm and tomorrow's crop will be in a much worse condition at this time next year.

The day-to-day trials of operating a successful farm, ranch, or agribusiness are challenging enough without worrying about these skyrocketing prices. Now, President Biden's budget proposal threatens the stepped-up basis and imposes capital gains taxes on farms or ranches that have been held in the family for 90 years or more. This new farm-killer tax would inflict hundreds of thousands of dollars in new capital gains taxes on hardworking Americans and jeopardize family- owned businesses.

The one saving grace for most farmers is that the 2018 farm bill protected

and strengthened their opportunity to utilize crop insurance programs, even when conditions are dire. Largely, farmers want to keep crop insurance in place in the 2023 farm bill. One Kansas farmer even told us that Congress needs to ``use a scalpel, not a sledgehammer, as we refine crop insurance.''

Agriculture's human resources include labor on the farm and employees at the local Farm Service Agency office. On the farm, folks are hurting for workers. We visited one of the first feed yards in the State, and the family owners haven't seen a labor shortage with looming retirements this bad since before the feed yard's inception in 1951. Another co-op owner told us their workforce is down 10 percent with more than 70 open positions.

At the local USDA offices, where Kansans go if they need help from the government, staff is also short. Traditionally, there has been a fully staffed USDA office in every county in America, but President Biden's policies have kept employees at home and turned those offices mostly all virtual. I met with farmers who are at a complete loss trying to navigate convoluted government websites instead of talking face-to-face with USDA employees.

There is a workforce shortage in every industry, and agriculture is no exception. From the farm to government services for the farm, agriculture has been experiencing record employee turnover due to unnecessary vaccine mandates, enhanced unemployment benefits, and more.

And in terms of natural resources, we all know America's farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists. America has vast amounts of natural resources available to its stewards. The biggest threat to agriculture's natural resources isn't availability or the weather, but Federal Government overreach.

Late last year, President Biden withdrew the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which sought to undo the harm caused by the Waters of the United States rule from 2015, through which the Federal Government aimed to control nearly all bodies of water, regardless of their size or connection to larger waterways. Because of this mess, farmers and ranchers have had to conduct their business under three different definitions of what amounts to ``water'' in just 6 years.

President Biden has also halted drilling on Federal lands and halted construction on the Keystone XL pipeline, exacerbating the price and shortage of American-made fuel. On our trip, Republican leader Thompson and I saw a live oil well operated by a company that produced 60,000 barrels of oil last October from 363 active wells, and right next door, we saw an ethanol plant ready to supply America with dependable liquid fuel if President Biden would just ditch his unrealistic and ill-timed electric vehicle push. You can't plow with a Prius.

While I recognize things like protections against the harmful Waters of the U.S. rulings and oil and gas drilling do not live within the confines of the next farm bill, I also recognize that the protections and proper use of America's resources are vital to the strength of American food and agriculture.

The state of agriculture is strong because of the strength of American farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers. Congress has the responsibility to get them the resources they need to protect the resources they have to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. We must do our job.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the memory of Bob Foote, a tremendous Kansan who passed away on March 25.

Bob was a man of many talents. He built one of the largest cattle operations in America, feeding 550,000 head a year and employing 400.

He and his was wife, Gail, also built an amazing family who will carry on his legacy and lead Foote Cattle Company into the future.

Bob had tenacity, grit, and confidence. He wasn't afraid to embrace an aggressive approach to business. His motto was ``Get It,'' which he would say to remind those around him to never give up and keep pushing forward.

Bob was a staunch conservative who would often be found giving one of his trademark Bob Foote lectures on politics. He was a true patriot. Most importantly, now that he has gone into Heaven, he was a man of great faith.

From the farm and headquarters in eastern Kansas to ranchland in the Flint Hills and feed yards in western Kansas, I am hard-pressed to think of any ag producer who had such an impact on Kansas agriculture.

Whether he was buying cattle or sharing his faith and work ethic with his grandchildren, Bob believed that he should use the talents that God gave

him to be the best man that he could possibly be.

He is now able to reunite with his beloved Colleen and, together, watch over his legacy, the Foote Cattle Company, and gaze proudly on his beloved Gail and his sons, Scott, Brad, and Greg, as they continue to lead the industry and Kansas agriculture forward.

Bob Foote, may you rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their marks and submit extraneous material on this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to host this Special Order during National Agriculture Month on the strength of American agriculture. I am inspired by the American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers who feed, fuel, and clothe not only this country but the entire world.

I grew up on a farm south of Quinter, Kansas, that my parents and brother still operate. Growing up there meant that I spent thousands of hours on a tractor working in fields and on horseback doctoring sick cattle in the family feed yard. Those hours turned into love of country and lessons about the values of hard work, creativity, flexibility, and putting others before ourselves.

My district, the Big First of Kansas, is home to more than 60,000 farms where farmers, ranchers, feedlot managers, ethanol producers, ag lenders, and agribusiness owners ensure that America remains the most food-secure country in the world.

As Congress becomes increasingly urban, the distance from farm to fork has never been greater, and since America's national security depends in large part on our food security, we need strong voices for agriculture in this Congress, which is why I am honored to serve on the House Agriculture Committee and to host this Special Order tonight.

If Congress is going to legislate effectively on matters relating to agriculture, Congress must first understand the agricultural perspective in America. There is something about being in the middle of the country where farmers pray for rain, parents drive 30 miles both ways just to take their kids to school, and communities shrink and grow with oil and gas prices that gives you a greater perspective.

House Agriculture Committee Republican leader GT Thompson and I just returned from a trip to my district. While there, we saw an American heartland infused with both the innovative energy that creates new ideas and the love of tradition that respects tried-and-true methods. We saw the USDA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility that will take American agriculture into the future, and we met with the family who owns and operates Brookover Feed Yards, one of the first feedlots in Kansas. We also saw oil production, ag lending, ethanol production, wheat innovation, and the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture at Kansas State University.

I look forward to celebrating the culmination of National Agriculture Month with my colleagues here tonight as we celebrate the force, passion, and strength of American agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson), a descendant of dairy farmers, a champion of rural development, my friend who joined me just last week on an agriculture tour of my district in Kansas, and the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Thompson for being here tonight and sharing with us thoughts about Pennsylvania agriculture. It is very important to this country.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Newhouse), who is a third-generation family farmer and good friend. I always appreciate his perspectives of Washington State agriculture and what he brings to this body.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman. His leadership in agriculture, his leadership for the Western Caucus are very, very important, and I thank him for joining us tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller), a staunch defender of farmers in his district and a fellow Congressional FFA Caucus member.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for joining us tonight. And as you were reading that, I thought about my family, my grandparents and many producers all over America that that describes. Thank you very much for sharing that.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller), who runs a grain and livestock farm with her husband and who has raised her children to be the 4th generation of farmers on her family farm in Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois for joining us tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao), who represents our Nation's largest dairy district. He and his family operate a dairy farm; lives at the dairy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for joining us tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ellzey), the pride of Levelland, Texas, who farmed and ranched in the Texas Panhandle before he came to Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for joining us, and representing Texas in such a legacy of agriculture in a great State.

Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone who spoke today for helping Congress understand an agricultural perspective. As Dwight Eisenhower--who was from my State, from my district--said, Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you are a thousand miles away from a cornfield. Today, it felt like the Members who spoke on this floor brought the farm a little closer to Capitol Hill, and for that, I thank them.

Congress uses the reauthorization of the farm bill every 5 years to determine the nature of our support for the men and women who feed, fuel, and clothe the world. America's food security is so important because it determines the strength of our national security. We will never be a secure country if we have to rely on other countries to feed ourselves.

Because of the tenacity of the American farmer, we are the most food secure country in the world, and I will do everything in my power to keep it that way.

As Congress determines how we will support farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in the 2023 farm bill, I encourage Members to imagine how different their lives would be without healthy American agriculture. From the food on our tables to the fuel in our cars to the fibers in our clothing to the roofs over our head, agriculture is all around us, and we tend to take it for granted.

Well, it isn't granted. It is gifted. Every day American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers give us the gift of our quality of life in this country. Our comforts come from the sweat of their brows. The least this Congress can do is support their efforts wholeheartedly with a strong thoughtful 2023 farm bill and related legislation. The future of America depends on it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, in preparation for reauthorizing the farm bill in 2023, I rise today to deliver the sixth installment of my farm bill impact series, where I am highlighting various aspects of the farm bill that deserve Congress' awareness and support. For this legislation to be effective, it must support the efforts of both today's farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers, as well as those of the next generation.

I had planned to get up on the floor today to talk about how America's hope for food security in the future lies on the shoulders of young Americans who are voluntarily bearing the burden of feeding, fueling, and clothing the world. I was going to talk about all the great programs and organizations that we have in this country for young people who are interested in agriculture. I was going to talk about the new Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program through USDA, and the importance of preserving the stepped-up basis in the Tax Code to ensure that family farms in America don't get taxed out of existence.

Then President Biden's disastrous budget came out earlier this week. President Biden threatens the stepped-up basis yet again as we know it in the budget that he just released. If it becomes law, the food security and, therefore, national security of America hangs in the balance.

Here is why the stepped-up basis exists and why it is so important. Let's say you are a young person working on your family's farm, and you are slowly taking on responsibility and risk. You work for your parents in the operation until the time comes for you to inherit the land, equipment, and livestock. When that happens, the Federal Government should not jump in and impose taxes on the unrealized gain of your inherited land and assets. This principle is called the stepped-up basis, which has long been precedent in the Tax Code.

The President's budget imposes new capital gains taxes at death, which will kill family farms. This is appalling. America is trying to recover from a pandemic, and farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are struggling to survive as they cope with crises that this administration has caused, like the broken supply chain and rampant inflation. And now this administration wants to impose new taxes on these people?

And the President didn't stop there. His budget also includes a new capital gains tax that I am going to call the farm killer tax. In Biden's budget, unbelievably, there is a proposal to impose capital gains taxes on farms that have been in families for over 90 years. Think about that. In 1940, the average cost of Kansas farmland was $50 per acre. Now, irrigated land is over $4,000 per acre. Imagine the capital gains tax implications in that history of ownership. This proposal would impose hundreds of thousands of dollars in new capital gains taxes on farmers, killing their businesses overnight.

Again, I was going to stand here today and talk about how important it is for Congress to support farmers, particularly the men and women who operate family-owned-and-operated multi-generational family farms. I was going to talk about how, in the name of supporting America's incredible producers, Congress needs to think carefully and critically about the programs we reauthorize in the 2023 farm bill.

I didn't expect that I would see the farm killer tax in the budget this week. This new tax is not a game-changer, it is a game-ender for thousands of family farms. I am, frankly, in disbelief.

Farming is a multi-generational calling. Farmers, ranchers, and ag producers are my family and friends. They are America's heroes, and the ideas in this budget, threatening the stepped-up basis and imposing the new farm killer tax, are going to destroy the livelihoods of many in agriculture and make our country less secure. The President needs to wake up to reality. Farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers have earned our support, and his budget ideas are the opposite of that. They are a gut punch to the people who feed, fuel, and clothe this Nation.

This week, I am introducing a bipartisan resolution, along with 66 of my colleagues, that supports the preservation of the stepped-up basis, opposes any efforts to impose new taxes on family farms and small businesses, and recognizes the importance of generational transfers of farm and small business operations. Again, this is something I was going to do anyway because of how important preserving the stepped-up basis is. Today, given Biden's disastrous budget, this message is more important.

If we want to invest in the future of our country, which I think we can all agree that we do, we need to invest in the next generation of America's farmers, ranchers, and ag producers. I will be back on the floor soon to deliver another installment of my farm bill impact series and highlight more programs and titles within the bill that Congress must understand and support to ensure that agriculture thrives in America. Hopefully, when I am standing here to speak next time, I won't have to address any more ideas that this administration may have had for destroying the livelihoods of America's farmers, ranchers, and ag producers. We must kill Biden's farm killer tax.

Mr. Speaker, in preparation for reauthorizing the farm bill in 2023, I rise today to deliver the fifth installment of my farm bill impact series where I am highlighting various aspects of the farm bill that deserve Congress' awareness and support.

If America is going to thrive, the people who feed, fuel, and clothe America must thrive.

The farm bill strengthens our country's national security because it strengthens our food security by supporting the tireless efforts of farmers, ranchers, and our agricultural producers.

Agriculture is a risky business, and Mother Nature can be a tough business partner. Almost no other American industry faces such volatility from forces like pests, disease, wind, drought, and fires like the ones in Reno County, Kansas, and Paradise, Kansas, over the last few months.

Natural disasters are make-or-break situations for the people who ensure that America remains the most food secure country in the world. That is why emergency programs within the farm bill are so critical.

The Livestock Indemnity Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish provide benefits to producers for livestock deaths caused by disease and adverse weather.

A veterinarian from Ashland, Kansas, told me that during the Starbuck fire back in 2017, to which he was an emergency responder, Clark County, Kansas, alone lost 6,000 to 9,000 head of cattle right at the beginning of calving season.

One producer suffered $1.8 million in cattle losses during this disaster. The Livestock Indemnity Program helped producers who lost cattle in this disaster put their livelihoods back together.

However, LIP only covered cattle mortality at the time, not severely injured cattle. Rather than watch badly injured cattle get euthanized just to trigger LIP program payments, this veterinarian helped make changes to the program that are still in place today which provide better protection for producers and their livestock.

These programs, and many more, are investments in the future of our country, and they must remain strong in the 2023 farm bill if America is going to remain food secure and self-determining as a Nation.

Natural disasters, diseases, and weather emergencies, unfortunately, do happen, and America cannot afford to have these factors cripple the businesses of the men and women who keep us fed, fueled, and clothed.

That is why we need to think carefully and critically about the degrees to which we support emergency programs within the 2023 farm bill.

I will be back on the floor soon to deliver another installment of my farm bill impact series and highlight more programs and titles within the bill that Congress must understand and support to ensure that agriculture thrives in America.

Madam Speaker, in preparation for reauthorizing the farm bill in 2023, I rise today to deliver the next installment of my farm bill impact series, where I am highlighting various aspects of the farm bill that deserve Congress' awareness and support.

If America is going to thrive, then the people who feed, fuel, and clothe America must thrive, and the farm bill contains certain programs that have been critical to the success of agricultural producers in my district and the energy independence of our country.

Every committee in this Congress should work to develop a sound, 21st century energy policy, one that embraces American energy independence, one that employs an all-of-the-above strategy embracing both fossil fuels and biofuels, and one that is not a mandated approach from the government.

For example, the House Energy and Commerce Committee should continue to pressure the Biden administration to reapprove the Keystone XL pipeline while it also considers the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, and the House Agriculture Committee should weigh in on the enforcement of the renewable fuel standard while it also includes strong biofuels language in the next farm bill.

Energy policy has an impact on every American and cannot be crafted in a vacuum. When it comes to the farm bill, we know that we can strengthen our access to reliable, affordable, and efficient energy, like biofuels.

The Rural Energy For America Program provides financial assistance to promote energy independence and efficiency and renewable energy development for agricultural producers and rural small businesses.

Kansas Ethanol LLC, based in Lyons, Kansas, has utilized the REAP program twice. The first time they used it, they were able to expand their facility and went from producing 65 million gallons of ethanol to 80 million gallons of ethanol per year. The second time, the program helped them put in the infrastructure to produce their own electricity. They now produce their own heat and power through a gas turbine for their facility and export some power to the grid.

As Kansas produces nearly 500 million gallons of ethanol each year, programs like the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program are important for Kansas and for the rest of this country. The Biodiesel Fuel Education Program awards competitive grants to nonprofit organizations and institutes of higher education that educate the public, as well as government and private entities, about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use.

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program supports the establishment and production of eligible crops for conversion to bioenergy and assists agricultural landowners and operators with the collection, harvest, storage, and transportation of eligible material for use in a biomass conversion facility.

These programs, and many more, are investments in the future of our country, and they must remain strong in the 2023 farm bill if America is going to be energy independent. That is why the farm bill is so important. It is not just about food and farming. It is about ensuring the security and self-determination of our country. We must support not only the efforts of farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers who aim to keep us food-secure, but also the efforts of the renewable energy pioneers in our country, like Kansas corn growers and Kansas sorghum growers who aim to keep us energy independent.

I will be back on the floor soon to deliver another installment of my farm bill impact series and highlight more programs and titles within the bill that I believe Congress must understand and support to ensure that agriculture thrives in America.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend from Louisiana for his leadership and for hosting this here tonight.

Less than 24 hours ago, the President delivered the State of the Union Address in this very Chamber. I would like to respond on behalf of the Big First District of Kansas.

Last night, Americans hoped to hear our Commander in Chief address the many crises facing our country and explain his plans for fixing them; a reasonable request. Instead, we heard a monologue of half- truths and empty promises. This administration has failed on the world stage, creating one foreign policy disaster after another, and the repercussions are posing threats to America's food supply, energy security, and our freedom.

On the home front, this administration has created record inflation, which is destroying livelihoods and killing small businesses across the country and in my district. Drugs and crime are destroying American communities and families, and we have an open southern border where drugs and human trafficking run rampant. The supply chain is still in disarray. Our country's debt is at an all-time high, almost $30 trillion, and the President has halted our march toward energy independence by killing the Keystone XL pipeline. The Biden administration has made a disaster in his handling of the issues at home.

Abroad, our country has an egregious trade deficit with China, a country that ripped off American farmers to the tune of $16 billion in the phase one trade deal, and this administration has done nothing to hold them accountable.

The President was getting lots of applause last night for talking a big game about supporting Ukraine, but we have done nothing meaningful so far as in response to the humanitarian crisis Vladimir Putin has created there. His financial sanctions won't prevent China from bailing out Russia financially, and President Biden won't stop buying half a million barrels of oil a

day from Putin because, again, President Biden killed the Keystone XL pipeline.

Furthermore, the President clearly isn't worried about the food implications of Russia taking over Ukraine, which is the breadbasket of Europe, by the way, and the third largest grain exporter in the world, because he still hasn't even appointed a USDA under secretary of foreign trade and agriculture. In 13\1/2\ months he hasn't even nominated one.

Americans are a resilient people. We have proven that over the past 2 years. I would argue that Kansans are among the most resilient of all. We have made it through worse times than these. But I am standing here today to say enough is enough. We need to get this country back on track, and to do that we need a President who actually leads.

Last night, I hoped that the President would tell us about how he plans to hold Russia accountable for its inhumane invasion of Ukraine, stop inflation, fix the supply chain, secure our southern border, and stand up for American farmers and ranchers who feed, fuel, and clothe the world. But he did not. Instead I heard an out-of-touch stump speech from a politician who wanted me to believe that everything is going to be just fine as long as he is in the White House.

I pray for the President, and I want him to be successful, but in order for that to happen, he must lead.

Madam Speaker, in preparation for reauthorizing the farm bill in 2023, I rise today to deliver the next installment of my Farm Bill Impact Series where I am highlighting various aspects of the farm bill that deserves Congress' awareness and support.

If America is going to thrive, the people who feed, fuel, and clothe America must thrive, and the farm bill contains certain programs that have been critical to the success of agricultural producers in my district and the food security of our country. This week, I am talking about crop insurance.

I believe that crop insurance is one of the most important programs within the farm bill, and my conversation with producers, farm economists, and crop insurance agents have shaped my understanding of how critical it is to reauthorize the crop insurance title in full for 2023.

Crop insurance helps producers manage the risks that they face every day from weather, pests, disease, and market volatility; it has also been one of our Nation's best public-private partnership programs between the government, private industry, and agricultural producers. Crop insurance does two things: it benefits farmers and it benefits Americans. Crop insurance never replaces a good crop, but it lets producers stay in the game if disaster strikes and it helps to ensure that our country continues to be the most food-secure nation in the world.

I recently spoke with two Kansas farmers to get their thoughts on the importance of crop insurance. One of them said to me, ``I spend a lot of time thinking about the agronomic and economic strength of my farm. Crop insurance is the most important tool in my toolbox for ensuring my farm's economic strength in the face of my two biggest challenges: the weather and the global market. For small family operations like mine, banks want to see crop insurance before they will give you a line of credit because they want to know that you can remain resilient as an operation through times of volatility.''

Another Kansas farmer told me, ``The very first year I was not sure that I wanted to take out insurance. My mom convinced me to manage my risk and so I did. That year was extremely dry in the spring, and my first crop of wheat only made 12 bushels to the acre. If I didn't have crop insurance, that year would have put me in a deep hole, and I would have missed my equipment payments. I have never forgotten that, and I have carried crop insurance every year since.''

There are countless stories just like these that testify to the importance of crop insurance, without which the government would be continually considering ad hoc disaster relief programs for farmers. Crop insurance is a market-based approach to risk management with a proven track record. The more we reduce the impact of risk and volatility in agriculture, the more food secure we become as a nation, and the more food secure we are, the stronger and freer we are.

I support whatever directly benefits farmers, ranchers, and ag producers in this country because they are the lifeblood of America. They keep us food secure, and therefore, free and self-determining as a nation. That is why I support crop insurance within Title XI, and why I am bringing awareness to it now, to ensure that this program remains strong in the 2023 farm bill.

I will be back on the floor soon to deliver another installment of my Farm Bill Impact Series and highlight more programs and titles within the bill that I believe this Congress must understand and support to ensure that agriculture thrives in America.

President Biden's First State of the Union Speech

Madam Speaker, tonight the President will give his first State of the Union speech in this very Chamber. Unfortunately, our country is far weaker and has greatly declined in the 13\1/2\ months since President Biden took office.

His heavy-handed COVID mandates have decimated workforces and hit certain industries, like healthcare, especially hard. Crime is rising on our streets, which is a direct result of efforts to defund the police. Biden's open border policies will result in approximately 2 million apprehensions in a single year.

Our debt is approaching $30 trillion with no end in sight. Inflation and the rising cost of practically everything Americans need to live is wreaking havoc on our people, especially those on fixed incomes. Supply chains are in disarray.

The administration's needless war on domestic oil and gas production has led to dramatic increases at the pump and has caused the United States to once again, unfortunately, be a net oil importer.

President Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan cost American lives and weakened our standing in the world. This weakness then emboldened Russia and resulted in Putin's invasion of Ukraine, and all the while we are doing far too little to stand up to China.

The list goes on and on. America badly needs its President to quickly and dramatically reverse course so that the state of our Union is something that we can all be proud of and that will once again be strong.

Madam Speaker, in preparation for reauthorizing the farm bill in 2023, I rise today to deliver the first installment of my farm bill impact series where I will be highlighting the various aspects of the farm bill that I think deserve Congress' awareness and support.

If America is going to thrive, the people who feed, fuel, and clothe America must thrive, and the farm bill contains certain programs that have been critical to the success of agricultural producers in my district. This week, I want to speak about two of those programs that fall within the trade title of the farm bill.

Each year, $140 billion worth of agricultural products are exported. My State of Kansas is known as the Wheat State, and 50 percent of all wheat sold in the United States is exported. So Congress must think critically and carefully about the international components of the Trade title. Trade programs, which have longstanding records of success in America, represent the partnership between the

public and the private sectors of our country. These programs are essential because they spearhead innovative market access, new market development, and promote agricultural sales overseas.

Through the Market Access Program, or MAP, U.S. agricultural trade associations, cooperatives, State regional trade groups, and small businesses cooperate to share the cost of overseas marketing and promotional activities. MAP reaches virtually every corner of the globe helping build markets for a wide variety of U.S. farm and food products including dairy, wheat, grain, beef, soybean, and sunflowers that come from my district.

The Agricultural Trade Promotion program or, ATP, was created in 2018 to help U.S. agricultural exporters develop new markets and mitigate the adverse effects of other countries' tariff and non-tariff barriers. The ATP supports consumer advertising, public relations, point-of-sale demonstrations, trade fairs and exhibits, market research, and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers, and our agriculture producers.

I support whatever directly benefits farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in this country because they are the lifeblood of America. They keep us food-secure, and therefore free and self- determining as a nation. That is why I support these trade programs within the farm bill and why I am bringing awareness to them now, to ensure that they remain intact for the 2023 farm bill.

I also support these programs as a fiscal conservative because they are a great return on investment for all Americans.

I will be back on the floor soon to deliver another installment of my farm bill impact series and highlight more programs and titles within the bill that I believe Congress must understand and support to ensure that agriculture continues to thrive in Kansas and in America.

Honoring Local Law Enforcement

Madam Speaker, I stand today to recognize the dedication of law enforcement officers on the thin blue line, and condemn calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police.

No one dislikes bad police officers more than good police officers. While some people are quick to share negative examples of law enforcement, they fail to acknowledge the multitude of men and women who bless our country with self-sacrificial care. Police officers are the glue that holds communities together. They put their lives on the line in the morning, and they go to their children's basketball games in the afternoon. Most of us cannot even comprehend the burden of responsibility that they bear for us and our families.

Today, I will share a story about an officer in my district who exemplifies the very best qualities of Kansas law enforcement.

Drew Francis started his career in law enforcement 20 years ago as a police officer at Dodge City Police Department. Since then, he has served in patrol operations, investigations, and now, police administration as Dodge City's Chief of Police.

Recently, a woman approached Drew and reminded him of a time earlier in his career when he was dispatched to help her. She had been a victim of repeated domestic violence, and when Drew arrived at her house, she remembered that he took the time to talk with her about the importance of removing herself and her children from the cycle of violence. The woman said that Chief Francis inspired her to make this change, and she felt that Drew had actually saved her life.

This particular story is an example of the little things that police officers do daily, the positive impact of which may never be fully comprehended.

In honor of these individuals who put their lives on the line for our safety, I have cosponsored several pieces of pro-law enforcement legislation, including a resolution condemning calls to defund the police; the Protect and Serve Act, which enhances penalties for anyone targeting and attacking law enforcement officers; as well as the David Dorn Back the Blue Act, which supports State and local police departments; and also, a resolution designating National Police Week.

I am so proud to represent a district where police officers like Drew Francis live and work. America must stand in support of those who protect and serve us, our law enforcement officers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about my heroes-- America's farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers. These people are my family, my friends, my neighbors, and my ancestors.

I came to this Congress to defend agriculture because the time I spent on the farm with my father, brother, and grandfather growing up taught me the most important lessons I have ever learned. Agriculture's core values are the same as America's--hard work, self-determination, responsibility, creativity, others before self, and prayer.

Therefore, if America is going to thrive, agriculture must thrive. Of all the hardworking, resilient people in our country, agriculture producers face more challenges and uncertainty than most of us can imagine as they strive to feed, fuel, and clothe our Nation every day.

A late winter snow in Washington, D.C., means a frustrating commute to work. In Kansas--where it is snowing right now--it means essential moisture for the soil, better hopes for the spring, profits that might let you buy the tractor you have been needing for 2 years now, and if there is some money left over, an extra birthday present for your daughter in July.

Kansas' own President Eisenhower said, ``Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you are a thousand miles from the corn field.'' In Congress, we deal with the laws of our land, and that is important, but the farmers are the caretakers of the land itself. American farmers built our history, sustain our present, and secure our future.

In the early 1930s, America was suffering from food insecurity. That is when Congress woke up, realized that above all other concerns, we need to eat to survive, and drafted the first ever farm bill.

Now, nearly 100 years later, America is the most food-secure country in the world because of the strength of our ag producers. So when Congress gets the opportunity to reauthorize the farm bill every 5 years, we need to think carefully and critically about the extent and nature of our investment in agriculture because it is an investment in both the immediate and the long-term health of our Nation.

Agriculture is also about freedom. It is extremely difficult for a Nation to be free if it relies on another for its food. Therefore, it is essential to America's future that we get ag policy right, so we never ever have to depend on another for our food or our freedom.

Over the next several months, as we gear up for the 2023 reauthorization of the farm bill, I will be standing to share some of my thoughts, ideas, and amendments on that legislation.

On behalf of my constituents and every American farmer, rancher, and ag producer, I want to say unequivocally that I will do everything within my power to ensure that the 2023 farm bill invests powerfully in agriculture. America's future depends on it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my reasoning for voting to protect unborn American citizens. I believe that life begins at conception which is why I support adoptions, foster care, and crisis pregnancy centers that work tirelessly to care for mothers and babies.

Kansans are leading the way in protecting the right to life by placing the Value Them Both amendment on the ballot, this year's response to the Kansas Supreme Court's unthinkable ruling that abortion is a constitutional right. For my part, I have cosponsored pro-life legislation including H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, permanently prohibiting Federal funding for abortions and abortion services. I have introduced my own H.R. 714 which would require the executive branch to notify Congress and the American public before issuing any new executive order pertaining to pro-life provisions.

Mr. Speaker, abortion has desensitized our Nation. I pray we wake up soon and repent for the horrors we have visited upon America's most vulnerable, the unborn. Imagine what this country would look like economically, culturally, socially, and spiritually if abortion hadn't wiped out an entire generation of Americans, 63.4 million people over the last 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, I say thank you to all of you who have joined together in this fight. Thank you for using your voices to defend the voiceless.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana for hosting this today. There are a lot of things to talk about for a year. We could talk about immigration. We could talk about inflation. We could talk about crime. And we could talk about Afghanistan. The list goes on and on.

But I want to talk for a little bit today about trade and specifically our relationship with China.

I rise today to call the Biden administration to action regarding our trade partnership, or lack thereof, with China.

China has proven to be a bad faith negotiator, and they are using the United States as a doormat. Our country made a deal with China 2 years ago on January 15, 2020, and China has failed to live up to their end of the bargain by a long shot. As part of this deal, China committed to importing $36 billion of U.S. agriculture products in 2020 and 2021 combined, but they have fallen short by nearly $7 billion. China sold American farmers a bill of goods, and the Biden administration has made no effort to rectify this egregious situation.

Now that phase one is expiring, farmers and ranchers are frustrated to say the least. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, in a feeble effort to reassure us, said:

Ambassador Tai, our U.S. Trade Representative, continues to

converse with China about the necessity of living up totally

and completely to the phase one trade agreement, making up

their deficit over the course of the next several years.

This is completely unacceptable. The next several years was never part of this deal, which is not a complex one. China said that they would purchase a certain amount of agricultural goods, and they have fallen short by a margin that suggests that they never intended to live up to their end of the deal in the first place.

Again, we have not seen any effort from this administration on behalf of farmers, which is why I am standing here today to state the obvious--the United States must either force China to comply with their end of the agreement or punish them for failing to do so. That is how deals work. At the very least, we need to see this administration developing a new, comprehensive, realistic deal to collect the deficit. The time for conversations already took place long before the deal was signed January 15, 2020, when China signed the deal.

This administration at year end needs to step up and defend our farmers, our ranchers, and our country from being financially manipulated by China--yet another unnecessary crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take the opportunity today to speak directly on behalf of my constituents and their concerns.

Each year I make a point to host a townhall in all 63 counties of the Big First District because visiting with and listening to Kansans, who I have taken an oath to serve, is one of the greatest joys of my work as a Member of Congress.

So far in 2022, I have hosted seven of these townhalls. At each meeting, I heard the same concerns echoed: government spending, labor shortages, vaccine mandates, and the next farm bill.

Kansans believe that government spending is out of control, and I agree with them. One of our country's fastest growing expenses is just the interest payments on our national debt, which is estimated to be $562 billion for fiscal year 2021 alone. You could fund the entire Department of Agriculture more than twice over for that amount.

Given this situation, this administration's spending, as we have seen in the bloated Build Back Better plan, is shortsighted and dangerous. Wild discretionary government spending has weakened our great country and, not only that, spending on some programs during the pandemic has incentivized staying at home instead of returning to work.

Kansans believe that labor shortages are hurting Americans, and I agree with them. People can't find bus drivers to take their kids to school or sanitation workers to pick up their trash. Meanwhile, inflation is at a 40-year high; grocery store staples are up over 12 percent; and people's essential goods, like car parts and refrigerators, are still stuck on cargo ships. We are in an economic crisis, and this administration has yet to act meaningfully to combat the effects.

Kansans believe that vaccine mandates are unconstitutional, and I agree with them. Anyone who wants to get a vaccine should be able to get one in this country, but it is not the Federal Government's job to dictate personal healthcare choices of the American people. Vaccine mandates are a terrible idea for the present situation in this country, as they will only continue to strip the workforce of even more people.

Kansans are also worried about the next farm bill, particularly as it relates to crop insurance and the Livestock Indemnity Program, and I share these concerns. The 2018 farm bill did not include any major changes to Federal crop insurance, which provides a robust and strong safety net for farmers across the country.

I also want to ensure that the Livestock Indemnity Program remains intact, as it offered critical support to folks in my district after natural disasters like the recent wildfires that we saw last month.

Farmers and producers are rightfully concerned that the 2023 farm bill could see significant changes. However, given that fact, House Democrats have held zero farm bill implementation hearings so far.

My goal is to do everything within my power for my constituents to ensure that no significant changes are made to reduce either of these essential components in the next farm bill.

The new year, which has just begun, brings with it a hope for change and growth. If we have been dissatisfied with the course of our lives or that of our Nation, January ushers in a fresh start. It gives us an opportunity to examine ourselves and to reassess our goals and ambitions. Most of all, the new year reminds us of the greatest privileges we have, living in a free nation where we have the right to life and to liberty and to pursue happiness as we see fit.

As we begin the second year of the 117th Congress, I want to reiterate my dedication to serving my constituents in the Big First. I am fighting to preserve the foundation of our free Nation and to protect your values.

Kansas is still the pilot light of freedom for America. As long as it continues to burn, I believe that our brightest days are yet to come.

Creating the Congressional FFA Caucus

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to invite all of my colleagues to join me and 30 other Representatives from both sides of the aisle in the newly formed Congressional FFA Caucus. Representative Panetta and I established this caucus to serve as an informal group dedicated to issues affecting the next generation of agriculture leaders and students pursuing careers in agriculture, food, natural resources, and related sciences.

As a past FFA chapter president from Quinter, Kansas, and a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am dedicated to raising awareness

about school-based agricultural education, FFA, and the next generation of leaders who will feed, fuel, and clothe the world.

The National FFA Organization is a congressionally chartered school- based national youth leadership development organization that plays an integral role in preparing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.

I sincerely hope my colleagues in the House will consider joining our caucus to support agriculture and the students who are passionate about it.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my friend, Congressman Estes, for hosting this tonight and for really doing this to further the memory and legacy of Bob Dole.

Bob Dole's passing leaves a void for America. I think maybe it hits those of us in Kansas especially hard, so I thank my friend for doing this.

Madam Speaker, America has lost a statesman, a noble war hero, and a service-minded Kansan who never forgot where he came from.

Senator Bob Dole died peacefully at the age of 98, leaving his district, State, and country better off for his many contributions over 79 years of public life.

My prayers and gratitude for Senator Dole go out to his family.

In World War II, Bob Dole was struck in the back and nearly killed by a German shell just months before the war ended. He described his experience later in a 1987 speech as ``a sting in the shoulder,'' and he said the first thing he thought about was his home, Russell, Kansas.

He was expected to die in the hospital, but he lived. He was told that he would never recover from his injuries, which included paralysis from the neck down, but his unquenchable spirit carried him through.

He simply refused to take no for an answer and chose to fight for his life and recovery, the scars of which he carried with him for the rest of his life. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service.

Before he became a United States Senator, Bob Dole was the Congressman representing the Big First District of Kansas. After serving in the House of Representatives for 8 years, Kansans sent him to the United States Senate where he served for 27 years, acted as the majority leader twice, and became his party's nominee for the highest office in the land in 1996. It is inspiring and humbling to stand on the shoulders of such greatness.

A few weeks ago, I was blessed to spend some time with Senator Dole. His love for Kansas and her people were on full display in his excited curiosity about our plans for the Big First. On that day, he was a thoughtful, committed, and energetic champion for our Nation and our way of life in rural Kansas.

He always treated others with respect and kindness, especially his fellow veterans, as he attended nearly every Honor Flight that came to D.C. to the World War II Memorial.

He was a fierce advocate for his political views, but he was equally committed to cross-aisle friendship and camaraderie. In our meeting, he spoke about his idea of the Kansas approach, the markers of which he identified as honesty, hard work, respect for your roots, common sense, service, simplicity, and genuine, thoughtful care for people.

I left our time together inspired and commissioned, as Senator Dole made it clear we must never forget where we come from. He knew deep down that the heartbeat of our Nation lies in places like his hometown of Russell, Kansas.

I know we all are working actively for ways to honor Bob Dole's legacy. One way is by supporting the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, which aims to address childhood hunger, improve literacy, train teachers, and make the world a better place for young people across the globe. The program is named in part after Senator Dole to honor his work toward eliminating childhood hunger. Earlier this year, I was proud to offer an appropriations request for the McGovern-Dole program, and I look forward to its continued success.

Yesterday, in another effort to honor his legacy, I introduced a resolution to name the post office in Russell, Kansas, the Robert J. Dole Memorial Post Office. I was quickly joined by my other colleagues from Kansas.

Senator Dole stayed true to his roots in rural Kansas and embodied its core values of faith, family, and freedom. Naming a post office after one of Kansas' favorite sons in the town that he grew up in is a small but meaningful way to pay tribute to this Kansas giant and American hero. I look forward to this resolution's swift passage commemorating the life of Senator Dole.

A few nights ago, I talked to my 8-year-old son, Austin, about Senator Dole. After I finished sharing some stories about his life and work, Austin said: Dad, I think God had a special plan for Bob Dole.

That is so true, and God had a special plan for all of us when he gave Senator Dole the faith, values, longevity, and leadership platform that he stewarded so well.

Madam Speaker, I want to close by quoting Senator Dole, who often said: ``I offer a willingness to work hard, to hang tough, to go the distance. I offer the strength and determination--molded in America's small town heartland and tempered during a career of public service--to bring commonsense answers to the complex problems facing America.''

Senator Dole's legacy will echo into the future, and his patriotic spirit serves as a benchmark for anyone who believes that our brightest days are yet to come.

Madam Speaker, I thank Senator Dole for working tirelessly to make the world a better place. May he rest in peace.