Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne voted for legislation that will protect Americans’ food safety, boost rural economies, protect Americans against price fluctuations for necessities and help feed struggling families. To maintain fiscal responsibility, the Agriculture Appropriations Act (HR 2997) also cuts millions of dollars from programs that are not working.  The bipartisan bill passed by a margin of 263 – 162.
 
"Americans should never have doubts about the safety of the food they put on their table," said Payne. "This legislation will help us restore people’s trust in the safety of our food so that every parent can have confidence that what they feed their children will not make them sick."

The bill helps rural communities hit by the economic crisis. It builds on the success of the Recovery Act with investments in community facilities, housing, water projects and rural businesses - creating opportunities for growth and development in every community.  Responding to the crisis plaguing dairy farmers, the bill also includes aid for farmers who are struggling with historically low prices.

"Our rural towns and dairy farmers have been hit especially hard by this economic crisis," said Payne. "With this bill, we will reinvest in rural communities, spurring business growth, supporting new infrastructure and bringing new jobs and hope to our communities."

To protect low-income women, children and senior citizens faced with rising food costs and shrinking wages, the legislation increases nutrition aid to families and ensures that 9.6 million women and children receive healthy, nutritious food. 

"By passing this bill, we are helping families put nutritious food on the table through these tough times," said Payne. "This is an absolute necessity to ensure that all Americans have access to healthy food for their families."

The Agriculture Appropriations Act also protects consumers by giving the agency that regulates our commodities markets like energy and food, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the staff and resources it needs to do its job. We have seen too clearly the impact that improper speculation in these markets can have on the price of oil and gas. This additional oversight will help protect the American people from needless price spikes in the cost of basic necessities. Once it is passed by the Senate, this legislation will go on to the President’s office to be signed into law. 

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