Agriculture is vital to the economic stability of Eastern Washington
and promoting those policies and projects that help our farmers and ranchers
is one of McMorris Rodgers' top priorities in Congress.
Having grown up on a family farm and orchard, she recognizes the need
for a strong agriculture and resource industry. Agriculture is Washington
states' number one employer, providing over 170,000 jobs. Our state produces
over 250 different commodities, making it second only to California. And
in the 5th Congressional District alone, agriculture is a $1.1 billion
industry.
There are many ways we can help ensure the success of our agriculture
community. McMorris Rodgers has developed five goals for the future of
agriculture in Eastern Washington:
Creating a strong farm policy that enables farmers to access new markets
while investing in cutting edge research;
Expanding domestic energy supplies and exploring alternative energy
sources;
Keeping land productive and farmers competitive;
Protecting and enhancing water supplies and storage; and
Expressed concerns regarding how county loan rates are calculated
by sending a letter to Secretary Johanns, sending a letter to Congressman
Jerry Moran, sending a memo to Congressman Bob Goodlatte, and meeting
with USDA officials.
Received commitment from USDA to purchase 241,500 metric tons of
Pacific Northwest Soft White Wheat for Food Aid programs
Supported efforts to resume exports of U.S. beef to Japan by sponsoring
a resolution and signing a letter sent to President Bush.
Secured critical funding for agriculture research at WSU's Johnson
Hall
Funded studies of Walla Walla watershed and Odessa Aquifer
Delivered a floor speech on the impact of high energy costs on farmers
and ranchers.
Sent a letter to Secretary Johanns expressing deep concern regarding
the re-opening of the Canadian border as it is imperative that we
address all aspects of safety related to the importation of Canadian
beef.
Active in ensuring the Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service formula funds for Hatch Act, McIntire-Stennis, and
Animal Health Disease programs were restored to fiscal year 2005 levels.
Expressed concerns regarding potential agriculture budget cuts by
signing a letter to Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA) of the Budget Committee.
Signed onto a letter to Speaker Hastert regarding ag energy use
Legislation Sponsored
H.R.
6074 Wheat Counter-Cyclical Payments Enhancement Act of 2006
Currently the National Loan Rate is calculated by class of wheat. By requiring
the Market Price to be calculated by wheat class it ensures that the counter
cyclical payment remains a safety net for all wheat growers when prices
or loan rates are low. An important provision that has escaped soft white
wheat growers, the prominent class of wheat grown in Eastern Washington.
Legislation Co-Sponsored
H.RES.137 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
regarding the resumption of beef exports to Japan
This legislation declares the sense of the House of Representatives that
if the Government of Japan continues to delay in meeting its obligations
under the understanding reached within the United States on October 23,
2004, to resume beef imports from the United States, the U.S. Trade Representative
should immediately impose retaliatory economic measures on Japan.
H.Con.Res.424 25 x ’25 vision
25 x ’25 recognizes the importance of agriculture in meeting our
energy needs and sets a goal for America, where by the year 2025, 25 percent
of the total energy consumed in the United States will be provided by
renewable sources from America’s agricultural, forestry and working
lands.
H.R.
8 The Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005
P ermanently repeals the death tax so our local family farms can stay
in the family. This legislation will foster economic growth and development
and allow small businesses to expand.
About
Cathy
