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Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of nearly all communities in Kentucky's Second Congressional District. Many residents depend upon agriculture to make a living, and those who don't are still touched indirectly by it in their local economies. The farms of the Second District are diverse in size and production. As Kentucky's leading producer of cattle and dairy products, the Second District remains one of the nation's top producers of tobacco. Farmers are essential to the continued vitality of the Second District and are important caretakers of our natural resources.
Current Drought Conditions
In 2007, Kentucky experienced unprecedented drought conditions. The extreme heat of the summer, combined with very little rain, has left many farmers with little or no yield. When traveling the Second District, I was able to see the devastation the drought has caused both to our crops and our livestock.
In an effort to help ease the struggle many farmers are facing, I wrote a letter to USDA in support of the request for a disaster declaration. I am pleased the USDA moved quickly to recognize Kentucky’s significant needs and granted the disaster declaration on October 2. I worked with my colleagues in Congress to include disaster assistance in legislation passed in the closing days of 2007.
Congressman Lewis receiving an award from the Kentucky Farm Bureau in Hardin County
Farm Bill Reauthorization
Congress is in the process of reauthorizing the current Farm Bill. This process can be challenging, as the bill must remain a delicate balance between different sectors of the agricultural community and continue existing growth in farm incomes.
The House voted on H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act, on July 27, 2007. The underlying bill as passed by the House Agricultural Committee was a well-crafted compromise that would offer significant assistance to many areas of agriculture. Unfortunately, shortly before the bill came to the floor, a $4 billion tax measure was added that would have put tens of thousands of American jobs in danger. This provision could increase taxes dramatically on companies who do business in the United States, causing them to move those jobs overseas and eliminating those opportunities for American workers, and was included without the opportunity for hearings or debate.
Before final passage of the bill, I had an opportunity to vote on the base Farm Bill that was reported out of the Agriculture Committee without the added tax increase. I supported this version of the bill because I felt it provided a balanced approach for the ag community. Because of the inclusion of this $4 billion tax increase, I opposed the final version of the Farm Bill, which passed 231-191.
I am disappointed that this bipartisan farm legislation, which could have passed with overwhelming support, was used as a vehicle for such an unnecessary and harmful provision. I am hopeful that this issue will be resolved during the Conference with the Senate and that a final product will be produced that will be beneficial to the entire agricultural community.
Tobacco Buyout
The passage of the tobacco buyout was an enormous victory for tobacco farmers. The buyout not only provided relief for our farmers, but reenergized rural communities. I am proud to have used my position on the Ways and Means Committee to shepherd the buyout through the House of Representatives. The buyout was the result of the hard work and cooperation of many in Washington and in our agricultural communities. It is truly rewarding to see tobacco production thrive in the Second District as a result.
