“The Farm Bill provides important and necessary safeguards for our food producers, and I have worked to make sure Louisiana farmers and ranchers are well represented,” Boustany said. “I am cautiously optimistic about this Farm Bill agreement. It maintains an effective commodities title for Louisiana’s rice and sugar farmers. However, until Congress votes on a final bill, I will be leery of a last minute tax hike or other poison pill from Speaker Pelosi. As it stands now, I am very pleased with this bill that puts our Louisiana farmers at its center.”
“Liberal Democrats, including Speaker Pelosi, continue to talk about their secret solution for skyrocketing gas prices, but they fail to produce any answers,” Boustany said. “Raising taxes on American energy producers isn’t an answer to lower the price, so let’s look at increasing American production in a responsible way. Increasing supply will help reduce speculation and lead to lower costs at the pump.”
“I am encouraged by today’s progress, but much work remains to be done,” Boustany said. “I look forward to working with the Conferees of both parties to ensure Southwest Louisiana farmers and ranchers are represented as we move forward. The Conferees must make the Farm Bill about farmers, and that begins by rejecting tax hikes on farmers, their families and their businesses.”
“Southwest Louisiana rice producers need new, open markets around the world to continue to grow,” Boustany said. “This Columbia Free Trade Agreement establishes duty-free quotas and phases out tariffs to make Louisiana rice competitive. In addition to rice, many other Louisiana businesses will be able to compete in Columbia. By opening this and other markets, our small businesses and companies can grow and prosper.”
“The original Stupak Small Businesses Act is critical to preventing local economies around the country from stalling,” Boustany said. “Businesses with seasonal demand need access to temporary, seasonal workers such as crawfish peelers. America’s small businesses need a solution, and this bill is the best option to resolve this looming economic disaster."
“Small businesses represent the best of American ingenuity, and they are vital to our prosperity in Southwest Louisiana,” Boustany said. “I appreciate hearing the issues that these small business owners face as they try to grow their companies, give back to the community and serve as examples of success for others. I will continue to work to fix the H-2B workforce shortage that hampers their growth as well as fighting against taxes preventing development and increasing access to a wide range of healthcare plans to lower cost and provide better choices.”
“Today, I heard from hundreds of farmers from Southwest Louisiana who talked about their need for a new Farm Bill,” Boustany said. “Our farmers need a responsible Farm Bill, and they need it now. I appreciate Charlie co-hosting this year’s Farm Day. It is an important way for he and I to bring Louisiana farmers’ concerns back to Washington.”
