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Final 06/15/00 8pm
30
Gottheimer
AS
A
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
TAPED ACTUALITY ON SIGNING OF CROP
INSURANCE REFORM BILL
June 18, 2000
212 860 6074
Today I'm signing into law the Agriculture Risk
Protection Act, which makes the federal crop insurance
system more inclusive and affordable. The bill also
includes $7.2 billion in emergency farm assistance, to
help farmers suffering from plummeting crop prices.
While this bill is important, it still fails to fix what is
plainly an unsuccessful farm policy.
We should be targeting assistance where it is truly
needed instead of making payments to farmers who
haven't planted a crop, and who don't need our help.
reat neu nums
will have more
OPPML
1
That's why we need to revise, revamp, and improve
the 1996 Freedom to Farm Bill - to build a safety net that
adequately protects our nation's farmers.
###
2
07:38
AD/ADM
UMD ( ommens
P.02/03
Draft 06/15/00 3pm
Gottheimer
00 JUN 15:-8:16
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
TAPED ACTUALITY ON SIGNING OF CROP INSURANCE REFORM BILL
June 18, 2000
Today I'm signing into law the Crop Insurance Reform bill, which makes the federal crop
insurance system more inclusive and affordable. The bill also includes $7.1 billion in emergency
farm assistance, to help farmers suffering from plummeting crop prices.
This emergency package - the third in three years - fails to fix what is plainly an
unsuccessful farm policy. We shouldn't rake payments to farmers who haven't planted a crop,
and who don't need our help. And the Emergency assistance we give should be targeted to
farmers most in need; with payments increasing as incomes decline. We need to revise, revamp,
and improve the 1996 Freedom to Farm Bill - to build a safety net that adequately protects our
nation's farmers.
be targetter assistance where
x it's is oraly needed - instead of
making
quck x54840 Lew
07:38
AD/ADM
P.03/03
OMB Comments
Draft 06/15/00 3pm
Gottheimer
00 JUN 15:43:16
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
TAPED ACTUALITY ON SIGNING OF CROP INSURANCE REFORM BILL
Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000
June 18, 2000
Today I'm signing into law the Crop Insurance Reform bill, which makes the federal crop
insurance system more inclusive and affordable. The bill also includes $7.1 billion in emergency
farm assistance, le to help farmers suffering from plummeting crop prices. 25
This emergency package - the third in three years - fails to fix what is plainly an
unsuccessful farm policy. We shouldn't make payments to farmers who haven't planted a crop,
and who don't need our help. thic the chargency assistance N/C give should be targeted to
farmers most in need, with payments increasing as incomes decline. We need to revise, revamp.
and improve the 1996 Freedom to Farm Bill - to build a safety net that adequately protects our
nation's farmers.
These falling parces have been a
families, and Iamglad that these faxmers
sedious handship top pural
will Receive queck Needed relief.
Wesley Warren
X 53842
TOTAL P.03
07:38
AD/ADM
P.01/03
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Date: 6-15-00 ACTION / CONCURRENCE / COMMENT DUE BY: ASAP
Subject: Taped Actuality ON Crop INSURANCE Ref. Bill
ACTION
FYI
ACTION
FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
LOCKHART
PODESTA
MARSHALL
ECHAVESTE
MOORE
RICCHETTI
NASH
LEW
NOLAN
BAILY
REED
BERGER
SPERLING
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STREETT
BRAIN
TRAMONTANO
BURSON
UCELLI
CAHILL
VERVEER
EDMONDS
FRAMPTON
IBARRA
JOHNSON, B.
JOHNSON, J.
LANE
REMARKS:
fax X62505
To Gottheimer
RESPONSE:
eci Sylvia Mathews R.Wabors W.Warren
X. Ricei
C. Kieffer
Office of the Staff Secretary
Ext. 62702
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education
Search - 32 Results - atl 10 (gun)
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there and through-out the world. And if you look at the size and the potential of the Indian
subcontinent, if they could find a way to manage their difficulties, there's probably no other place in
the world with the capacity for growth and modernization over the next two decades that you will find
there. If you look at the success of Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis in the United States, that's
clear evidence of that. So I'm going to do the best I can.
Syria
Q. Do you have a meeting coming up with the Syrian President?
The President. I don't have anything else to say about my foreign policy agenda today. But I will in
the next several days, continue to talk to you about all this stuff. And I thank you.
NOTE: The President spoke at 2:20 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, he
referred to city attorneys John A. Misci, Jr., of Camden, NJ, Manuela Albuquerque of Berkley, CA, and
Dee Joyce-Hayes of St. Louis, MO; king Fahd Al Saud of Saudi Arabia; and President Hafiz al-Asad of
Syria.
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Put spotlisht
began support
John
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6/15/2000 1:52 PM
06/15/00 16:19 FAX 202 225 1018
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Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns, a nine term New York Democratic Congressman, is
a leader in Congress advancing many of the issues important to his constituents in Brooklyn. As
a senior member of the exclusive Commerce Committee, Congressman Towns will be in line to
Chair either the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment, or the Subcommittee on Finance
and Hazardous Materials if the Democrats win the majority. In fact, the 2000 Congressional
Election represents a significant opportunity where, for the first time in United States history, at
least 3 African Americans would serve as Chairmen of the Ways & Means Committee, the
Judiciary Committee and the Select Committee on Intelligence. In all, as many as 10 African
Americans would chair important Subcommittees in a Democratic Congress.
Throughout his tenure in Congress, Edolphus Towns has been an effective behind-the-
scenes champion for health care, Social Security and Medicare. Congressman Towns has fought
for issues that are of greatest concern to New Yorkers, such as: combating hate crimes; reducing
youth violence; providing better education; and promoting greater access to affordable, high
quality health insurance for all Americans.
I am also greatly disturbed by Senate's
failure to act on my nomination of Dolly
Gee, for a seat on the US District Court for
the Central District of CA. Another
nominee, Kathleen McCree Lewis would
become the first African American woman
ever to serve on the Sixth Circuit.
These are just the first steps. We are also
looking to nominate more minority
candidates, including more Hispanics.
Pressing domestic issues that Congress
should address this year: DProsbory Aufan
Crime PNTR
2
Guns - we must pass common sense gun
legislation.
I
numms
&
mc Aug
3 .Medicare - reform Medicare & pass
W
volun prescrip drug benefit.
PBOR
43 Min. Wage - raise it $1 over 2 yrs.
5. Tobacco - pass legis allow FDA to
regulate tobacco.
4 CHI P Pa (85+
6. Education
a
LCC
9
Win w
7 EQ- -
1992 Roadmap. Today we have Results.
opportunity, responsibility, community
Ed Bergassi
Jemb
La Dane Williamson co-chirs
Rep. Ed Towns
Gven Towns
This
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
6/14
TO: Josh Jahe bottherner Signat
Stephanie Cutter
Megan Moloney
RR;
Rd. Here'es a draft
Radio Actuality From
USDA and some
background cufo.
of
06/14/00 WED 17:38 FAX 202 7204614
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
002
DRAFT
RADIO ACTUALITY
PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON
(3)
SIGNING OF CROP INSURANCE REFORM BILL
This bill will make the federal crop insurance system more inclusive and more affordable for our
farmers and ranchers. These insurance reforms reflect many of the ideas that my Administration,
led by Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, has been pushing for the last two years.
The bill also includes $7.1 billion in emergency farm assistance. With continued low prices, we
clearly need to take action to help struggling farmers. But this assistance should be targeted and
countercyclical, with payments increasing as incomes decline, and vice versa. We shouldn't
make payments to farmers who haven't planted a crop and who don't need the help.
This emergency package - the third in 3 years - - makes it clear that we need to create a stronger
safety net for our family farmers and ranchers. I am disappointed that the Congress failed to
move in that direction and failed again to fix what is plainly an unsuccessful farm policy.
Instead of stop-gap solutions, we need to rebuild the safety net, abandon the failed policies of
Freedom to Farm and completely reevaluate the principles of our farm policy.
###
IIII
7204623
1b-b-oel I
M Addiss
Ac-
06/14/00 WED 17:38 FAX 202 7204614
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
003
Glickman recommends Clinton sign farm bailout bill
WASHINGTON, June 13 (Reuters) - U.S. Agriculture Secretary
Dan Glickman recommended on Tuesday that President Bill Clinton
sign a $7.1 billion bailout package for American farmers hurt
by depressed crop prices.
Glickman said although Congress, which approved the bill in
late May, failed to deal with some basic farm policy issues,
the overall legislation would benefit U.S. farmers. The bill
also would lower the cost of crop insurance to farmers.
"At this stage, the positive things in the bill
particularly the crop insurance changes coupled with some
emergency relief,' Glickman said, "outweigh any desire on my
part to not see the bill signed into law.'
The farm rescue package approved by the House and Senate
was the third federal bailout for ranchers and growers in three
years to cushion them from depressed grain prices and
lackluster exports.
The first round of the new aid, $5.5 billion, would be
distributed in late August and September to grain and cotton
growers, USDA officials said.
( (Randy Fabi, Washington Commodities, 202-898-8394, fax
202-863-1049) )
REUTERS
Rtr 13:53 06-13-00
:SUBJECT: DOAG LIVE SOYB EMFS GRNS
Copyright (c) 2000 Reuters
Received by NewsEDGE/LAN: 6/13/00 2:03 PM
06/14/00 WED 17:39 FAX 202 7204614
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
1.
004
Farm Aid, 0884
Third straight farm bailout approved by Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) Congress approved the third big bailout of the
farm economy in as many years, a $15 billion package of cash
payments to growers plus subsidies to make crop insurance much
cheaper and more widely available.
The legislation now goes to President Clinton for his expected
signature. The Senate passed the measure 91-4 Thursday after the
House approved it on a voice vote.
The aid is intended to compensate growers for depressed
commodity prices as well as to encourage farmers to protect
insurance. themselves in future years by buying higher levels of crop
While the economy as a whole has been booming, farmers have
faced low prices for nearly three long years, Rep. Bill Barrett,
R-Neb. Agriculture is vital to every American and every
congressional district.
The legislation includes $5.5 billion in payments that are
expected to be sent to growers in late August or September,
Agriculture Department officials say.
The extra cash would mean an additional $16,000 this year for a
500-acre corn farm, while a typical wheat grower would get about
$19,000 more. A farmer growing 300 acres of cotton would receive an
additional $12,000.
Some $8.2 billion is earmarked for sharply reducing premiums on
the federally subsidized crop insurance over the next five years
and expanding the coverage to commodities that aren't currently
covered.
Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman praised the insurance
overhaul, saying it would improve our farmers' ability to manage
the risk that is inescapable in their line of work.
But he criticized Congress for refusing to alter the
Republican-authored 1996 farm law, which ended a Depression-era
system of price supports and production controls.
Stopgap, quick-fix emergency assistance is not the most
effective or efficient way to help struggling farmers, Glickman
said.
The successive government bailouts have served to stabilize farm
income and land values, said Alan Barkema, an economist with the
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Now, with cattle and hog
prices on the rebound, things are a bit brighter than they were
18 months ago, he said.
USDA officials say the extra money for crop insurance will pay
for itself by making farmers less dependent on other forms of
government assistance.
In addition to reducing premiums, coverage will be expanded to
fruit, vegetables and other commodities for which insurance hasn't
been availabile before. The federal subsidy for the most popular
level of insurance will rise from 42 percent to 59 percent.
By providing producers more affordable levels of coverage,
there should be less need for Congress to pass emergency assistance
on a year to year basis, said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan.
The $5.5 billion in direct farm payments would go to grain and
cotton producers who have annual `market-transition'' contracts
with the government. That cash is in addition to $5.1 billion in
payments that those producers already were scheduled to get this
06/14/00 WED 17:39 FAX 202 7204614
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
005
year.
An additional $1.6 billion in the legislation is earmarked for a
variety of special commodities, including:
$500 million for soybean and sunflower growers.
$340 million for tobacco growers, to compensate for falling
cigarette sales.
$200 million for the government to buy a variety of surplus
commodities, including apples, black-eyed peas, cherries, citrus,
cranberries, onions, melons, peaches and potatoes.
$100 million for cottonseed producers.
$25 million to fruit growers in the Northeast hurt by plum pox
virus.
The legislation also would authorize $250 million for research
over the next five years on ways to make ethanol and other
chemicals from crops, grass and trees.
It was the second major victory in as many days for farm
organizations, who were celebrating the House's approval Wednesday
of permanent normal trade relations for China.
The farm lobby also is pushing Congress to allow sales of food
to Cuba and won a small victory Thursday. The House GOP leadership,
which wants to preserve the embargo on Cuba, had planned to force a
vote on the issue Thursday but abruptly put it off until after the
congressional Memorial Day recess.
We'll come back and hopefully come to some agreement, said
Rep. George Nethercutt, R-Wash., who is leading the effort in the
House to ease the Cuba embargo.
The four senators who voted against the farm bailout were all
Republicans: Jon Kyl and John McCain of Arizona, Connie Mack of
Florida and Don Nickles of Oklahoma. Five senators did not vote:
Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.; Judd Gregg, R-N.H.; Daniel Inouye,
D-Hawaii; Frank Murkowski, R-Alaska; and George Voinovich, R-Ohio.
=
The bill is H.R. 2559
On the Net: Senate Agriculture Committee:
http://www.senate.gov/(tilde)agriculture
House Agriculture Committee: http://www.house.gov/agriculture
(PROFILE
(CAT: Agriculture;)
(CAT: Business;)
(CAT: Financial;)
(CAT: Political; )
(CAT: Tobacco; )
(SRC:AP; ST:NE;)
)
AP-NY-05-26-00 0910EDT
: SUBJECT: AGRI NE FIN CONW POL
Copyright (c) 2000 The Associated Press
Received by NewsEDGE/LAN: 5/26/00 9:20 AM
06/14/00 WED 17:39 FAX 202 7204614
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
006
UPDATE 1-Congress approves farm bailout, insurance package
(Updates with Senate vote, edits throughout)
By Julie Vorman
WASHINGTON, May 25 (Reuters) - The Senate and House
approved on Thursday a $7.1 billion bailout for American
farmers hurt by depressed crop prices that also would make
federal crop insurance cheaper and easier for growers to buy.
As the rescue package sailed through Congress, a separate
agriculture measure that would allow U.S. food and medicine
sales to Cuba was headed for a fight in the House between farm
state lawmakers and Republican leaders.
Growing support among both Republican and Democrats for
easing the sanctions has challenged the desire of the House
leadership to quietly kill the measure without a House vote.
Negotiations were continuing behind the scenes, with some
legislative aides predicting a vote sometime in June.
Rep. George Nethercutt, a Washington Republican and chief
sponsor of the Cuba amendment, declared a procedural victory on
Thursday. "Leadership had thought that they did not need to
deal fairly with us," a Nethercutt aide said. "That approach
has now been soundly rejected."
Congress imposed sanctions on Cuba in the hopes of ousting
Cuban President Fidel Castro, who led the Communists to power
on the island in 1959. The island buys some $700 million of
food annually.
The farm rescue package approved by the House and the
Senate was the third federal bailout for ranchers and growers
in three years to cushion them from depressed grain prices and
lackluster exports. Under the package, U.S. farmers would
receive an average $3,750 apiece.
The package now goes to President Bill Clinton, who is
expected to sign it into law.
Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman said the president would
approve the measure despite concern that some of the $7.1
billion will go to farmers who do not need the money.
"I'm not going to recommend a veto based on that,' Glickman
told reporters.
The first round of aid, $5.5 billion, would be distributed
in late August and September, according to U.S. Agriculture
Department officials.
The bill also includes major changes to the federal crop
insurance program to make it cheaper and easier for farmers to
buy coverage over the next five years.
Rep. Charles Stenholm, a Texas Democrat, said he supported
the legislation despite concerns lawmakers were acting months
before harvest.
"We have no hard numbers as to the extent of what kind of
disaster assistance we may need this year, Stenholm said,
referring to drought conditions in some crop-growing states.
"I would have been more comfortable in taking our time to fully
assess the situation later this year."
The other portion of the package includes $8 billion to
modify the federal crop insurance program. The crop insurance
subsidy would rise by $1.6 billion a year.
Since late 1998, Congress has approved more than $15
billion in emergency farm aid to buffer the impact of low
06/14/00 WED 17:40 FAX 202 7204614
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
<
007
prices. By many economists' estimates, a recovery in rural
America remains at least a year away.
This year's bailout includes $5.5 billion for grain and
cotton growers, double the amount they receive in annual
supports under the landmark 1996 law that sought to phase out
farm subsidies.
The package also includes $1.64 billion for soybeans,
peanuts, tobacco, fruits and vegetables.
Rtr 19:40 05-25-00
:SUBJECT: GRNS SOYB LIVE BEVG USPO USA
Copyright (c) 2000 Reuters
Received by NewsEDGE/LAN: 5/25/00 7:50 PM
RELATIVE PERCENTAGE OF PRODUCERS
BUYING CROP INSURANCE
Northern
Pacific
Mountain
Plains
Lake
65.0%
States
Northeast
121.39%
7.02%
06/14/00 WED 17:40 FAX 202 7204614
60,2%
10.72%
26.27%
THE
24.91%
9.19%
3.95%
20.5%
11.75%
19.35%
Corn Belt
9.0%
7.48%
9.17%
5.41%
1.50%
3.84%
43.58%
15.43%
18.21%
Southern Plains
12.38%
15.19%
Appalachian
26.94%
21.079
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
38.07%
Alaska
Southeast
Hawali
Delta States
1.79%
Puerto Rico
Note: The percentage is greater than 100% in some
cases because a farm may have more than one
individual with an insurable interest. The data also
include other producers (livestock) which FCIC
does not presently serve. These data help tell us
SSN and EIN number provided by RMA, R&O, KC
where we need lo focus for future growth.
Total number of farms from 1997 Censusot Agriculture
008
PERCENT OF FARM ACRES INSURED
Northern
Pacific
Mountain
Plains
Lake
Northeast
06/14/00 WED 17:40 FAX 202 7204614
70.2%
States
7.2%
38.5%
18.1%
30.0%
ALL
10,1%
6.5%
1.8%
31.6%
13.1%
Corn Belt
11.1%
4.8%
12.3%
16.3%
9.8%
42.6%
Southern Plains
Appalachian
97.9%
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
58.0%
18.4%
Hawaii
Southeast
21.0%
Delta States
8.0%
Puerto Rico
DOES NOT EXCLUDE ACREAGE WHICH IS NOT
PRESENTLY ELIGIBLE FOR INSURANCE (LIVESTOCK).
1997 Census of Agriculture
1987 RMA Insured Acres
600
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
</
010
06/14/00 WED 17:41 FAX 202 7204614
Talking Points Regarding Crop Insurance Reform and the Agricultural Assistance
( FINA VERSION
Crop Insurance - Title I
OF BILL)
In a recent speech Secretary Glickman said, "Congress is about to pass a crop insurance reform
bill that codifies the very principles that we've been advocating for some time. That means
making crop insurance more affordable, by providing premium discounts on buy-up coverage. It
means a more accessible and inclusive system, with the authorization of a pilot livestock
insurance program and improved coverage of specialty crops. It also means addressing
multi-year losses and expanding risk management education and outreach efforts. It was USDA
that got this ball rolling, with the appointment two years ago of a blue-ribbon panel of farmers,
academics and policy experts who began putting together a reform package."
The Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (2000 Act) takes important steps for the agriculture
industry which are consistent with Administration proposals advocated over the past 2 years. The
2000 Act:
Makes crop insurance more affordable and useful to producers through increased subsidies
for buy-up coverage and provides increased Federal backing for revenue products.
Addresses multi-year losses and their effect on insurance coverages by permitting
producers to adjust certain actual yields to improve insurable yields.
Authorizes a pilot program for livestock options.
Establishes an important financial commitment to crop insurance expansion, research and
development, and education and outreach, which are key to specialty crop growers and
states with traditionally low levels of crop insurance participation.
Improves program integrity by providing stiff penalties for program abuse and limiting
certain practices such as receiving more than one indemnity on the same acreage in areas
that are not traditionally double cropped.
Requires the Risk Management Agency and the Farm Service Agency to reconcile data for
producers to ensure consistent reporting of production and losses for the purposes of
USDA program participation.
Improves the non-insured crop disaster assistance program (NAP).
Concerns -
Implementation funding is considerably lower than requested as necessary, $23 million as
opposed to the $110.6 million requested to timely and effectively execute the 2000 Act.
Certain provisions are complex given expectations for rapid implementation.
USDA NATIONAL SERVICE
1
011
06/14/00 WED 17:41 FAX 202 7204614
Removed authorization for the Risk Management Agency to be the program developer of
last resort.
Agricultural Assistance - - Title II
While the relief attached to the crop insurance legislation will help farmers, we are
concerned that Congress will distribute the money using the same AMTA formula that
guided the emergency bills of the last two years.
Specifically. AMTA bonus payments fail to target the crops and the producers in greatest
need.
The AMTA approach fails to consider the varying degree of market weakness across
commodities, and fails to take into account exactly which farmers are producing which
crops.
The Congressional plan disproportionately benefits the largest - and usually most
prosperous --farmers. It makes little sense, and it will work to weaken public support for
adequate funding and a farm safety net in the future.
Instead of paying farmers according to their current situation, this formula would take into
account pre-1996 planting decisions and program yields based on data established in the
early 1980's.
Under this approach, a producer can be paid on planted acreage of wheat five years ago,
even though he no longer grows wheat. In some cases, they will get paid even though
they no longer grow any crop. It's a haphazard system that produces gross inequities.
Furthermore, even with the best possible method of distribution, ad hoc, stop-gap,
quick-fix emergency assistance is not the most effective or efficient way to help struggling
farmers.
This will be the third consecutive year of emergency assistance, and while previous
payments have helped provide the cash flow to help farmers get through the year, they
have done little to ensure the long-term stability and competitiveness of the American
family farm.
The bleeding continues, and we're getting ready to apply yet another very expensive
tourniquet when the situation actually calls for a blood transfusion.
Concerns
Farm Service Agency was not provided additional funding to administer these provisions.
America's farmers are the lifeblood of our land, or, as President Franklin Roosevelt put
it, "the source from which the reservoirs of our nation's strength are constantly renewed." We
must strengthen and support our farms and our farm families, just as they have sustained us
throughout our history. Thank you.
###
Final 10/23/99 10am
Josh Gottheimer
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ACTUALITY FOR AGRICULTURE BILL SIGNING
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Today, I am signing into law the agriculture appropriations bill. This legislation provides
critical funding for the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration programs
- including basic farm support programs, WIC, food safety efforts, and other measures to protect
and support rural communities.
It also provides emergency funds to assist our nation's farmers and ranchers who are
suffering the second year in a row of plummeting crop prices and, for many, record livestock
losses from severe drought and flooding.
Let me say that I am disappointed that Congress did not come through with more
assistance for farmers and ranchers who have suffered this year. This summer's drought,
Hurricane Floyd, and other natural disasters have inflicted billions of dollars in agricultural
damage. We need to do more to help those farmers who have incurred these losses through no
fault of their own.
Congress has also not responded effectively to the crises facing many farms because of
the sustained low prices of most commodities. This is the second year in a row that substantial
federal assistance has been needed above and beyond our regular farm programs. While these
additional funds have been absolutely critical, the very fact that we've needed them points out
the underlying flaws in the 1996 Farm Bill.
Share 2 ten rae) we
For all its positive features, that bill simply did not do enough to help our farmers and
ranchers cope in this crisis. It does not give the USDA the tools it needs to help farmers and
ranchers thrive in the short and long terms. It does not direct payments to where they're most
needed. And it is providing payments to those who aren't even farming anymore. The bottom
line is this: we need to revise, revamp, and improve the 1996 Farm Bill. It is not providing the
adequate support that our farmers need to prosper.
Joshua
So once again, I urge Congress to work to fix the Farm Bill - permanently - so American
farmers can have an adequate safety net. Just as the Vice President and I have worked hard to
reinvent government, we must take the necessary steps to rewrite this flawed legislation. The
men and women who work every day to give us the world's most affordable and abundant food
supply deserve nothing less.
This is not a perfect piece of legislation. But I am signing it because our farmers are
facing a true emergency. Their livelihoods - and, in some cases, their very survival - depend
upon getting this bill signed and assistance delivered now.
Final 03/17/00 10am
Gottheimer
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
ACTUALITY FOR NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY
THE WHITE HOUSE
March 17, 2000
Today, as we celebrate National Agriculture Day, we honor the men and women who
give us the world's most affordable and abundant food supply -- America's talented farmers and
ranchers. They are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our land. Over the last
few years, low commodity prices, weak global markets, droughts, and other natural disasters
have inflicted billions of dollars in agricultural damage. We need to create new opportunities for
our farmers and ranchers - both at home and abroad. And we must revise, revamp and improve
the 1996 Farm Bill -- to build a safety net that protects them during difficult times. That is the
best way to celebrate farmers and ranchers, and to help make sure they share in our nation's
bounty.
###
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Draft 5/16/00 2pm
Gottheimer
CHIEF OF STAFF JOHN PODESTA
REMARKS TO FARM BUREAU AND FARMLAND INDUSTRIES FARMERS
THE WHITE HOUSE
May 16, 2000
Ack: Thank you Bob for your kind introduction. I would also like to thank the American Farm
Bureau for organizing this event, the Agriculture Coalition for their work and support on this
issue, and Secretary Glickman and Governor Schafer for speaking to you today.
From the American Farm Bureau Federation to the American Seed Trade Association,
your organizations make one thing clear: America's farmers are the backbone of our economy
and the lifeblood of our land. That's why I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to address
the issue on the minds of farmers around our country, and on many of us here in Washington -
China's entry into the WTO. It's a decision that will affect the lives of millions of family
farmers around our country.
There is no more pressing issue on the President's agenda - and on the agenda of
America's farmers -- than this agreement. And there is no other sector in our country that is
going to benefit more from this vote. A fair and open global trading system offers US
agriculture the best hopes for a prosperous future. Your presence here today reminds us that the
decisions made in Washington deeply impact the lives of real American's across the country.
Some people believe that trade only impacts the bottom line of big corporate farms. The fact is
that increased exports lead to higher commodity prices and small farmers are equally if not more
dependent on higher prices for their income.
Today one out of every three acres of America's farms is dedicated to exports. To
farmers, exports mean income, jobs and a reduced risk for American agriculture. With exports
accounting for an estimated 30 percent of gross cash receipts, it's not surprising then, that
America's farmers are twice as reliant on foreign trade as the US economy as a whole.
No nation offers a greater potential consumer base for American business and agriculture
than China. Last quarter, its economy grew at a rate of 8.1 percent, and has grown more than 9
percent annually since 1994. Incomes are increasing. The Chinese middle class is expanding.
Private enterprise is taking root. As the world's most populous nation, China is in the midst of
gradual, but far-reaching economic reform.
Additionally, China has already taken steps to prepare for their entrance into the rules-
based WTO in the coming months. China is already reducing domestic procurement prices,
discouraging farmers from over-planting. And these steps are working. The World Board
reported on Friday that China's wheat acreage will decline by 5% for the new 2000 crop -- the
lowest level of planted area since 1974. And as a result, Chinese wheat imports are projected to
increase by 1.7 million tons in the next season, to more than 2.4 million tons. This will give our
farmers an opportunity to compete for these additional sales. Similarly, China's production of
1
Untitled Document
http://www.op.state.md.us/smartgrowth/news/bames.hm
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
GOVERNOR GLENDENING APPOINTS BARNES TO GROWTH
COMMISSION
Former Congressman Helped Lay Foundation for Smart Growth Policy
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 8, 1999) - Acting to further expand Maryland's national
leadership in Smart Growth planning and development, Governor Parris N. Glendening
has appointed former Congressman Michael D. Barnes as chairman of the State
Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Commission. The 17-member
commission advises the Governor, General Assembly, and the Maryland Office of
Planning on growth and development policy. Mr. Barnes will serve a four-year term
from June 1, 1998, succeeding George T. Marcou as an at-large member.
"Mike Barnes once again is stepping forward to serve the citizens of Maryland in a vital
capacity that impacts directly on our quality of life and environment," said Governor
Glendening. "We are extremely pleased to have someone with Mike's expertise chair
this important commission. His tireless leadership in shaping the future of our State will
benefit generations to come."
Mr. Barnes, who represented Maryland's eighth district in Congress from 1979 to 1987,
is a partner in the Washington D.C. law firm of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. He is chairman
of the board of the Center for National Policy, a public policy "think tank" on national
and international issues and he co-chairs the U.S. - Panama Business Council, which
promotes increased trade and economic development between the two countries.
"We are truly fortunate that Mike Barnes has accepted this appointment and will
continue building on his remarkable record of public service to Maryland," said State
Senator Ida G. Ruben, of Silver Spring. "I can think of no individual better qualified
than Mike to lead the Growth Commission at this critical time."
Earlier this decade, Mr. Barnes chaired the Maryland Commission on Growth in the
Chesapeake Bay Region. The efforts of this commission led to passage by the General
Assembly of the Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act in 1992,
which created the commission to which Mr. Barnes is now being appointed.. The work
of the Growth Commission, together with locally-adopted comprehensive plans, laid the
groundwork for Governor Glendening's Smart Growth initiative to control suburban
sprawl.
Mr. Barnes also served on the Maryland Public Service Commission and as
vice-chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission. "Mike Barnes
is an outstanding choice to lead the State Growth Commission at a time when we are
moving forward with Smart Growth," said State Senator Chris Van Hollen, Jr. of
Montgomery County. "His broad experience in urban and regional planning and
economic development will be a tremendous asset to the commission as it deals with the
numerous challenges of managing our State's growth and development in the 21st
century."
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Untitled Document
http://www.op.state.md.us/smartgrowth/news/bames.html
In addition to advising the Governor, General Assembly, and the Maryland Office of
Planning, the commission fosters public awareness and understanding of the objectives
and functions of State and local planning. Through its subcommittees on Environment
and Economic Development, Interjurisdictional Coordination, and Planning Techniques,
the commission plays a major role in preserving and protecting Maryland's
environment, rural resources and communities, while supporting continued economic
development.
###
CONTACT:
Ray Feldmann
Michelle Byrnie
Governor's Press Office
410-974-2316
TTY: 410-333-3098
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DRAFT -- Agriculture Bill Signing Actual, Comments to Gottheimer by 9:30am x62554.
Subject: DRAFT -- Agriculture Bill Signing Actuality. Comments to Gottheimer by 9:30am
x62554.
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 20:33:29-0400
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected],[email protected],
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected],[email protected],
[email protected]. [email protected]
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected]. [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected].
[email protected]
Draft 10/13/99 8:30pm
Josh Gottheimer
J6- AGRIC 10/22
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ACTUALITY FOR AGRICULTURE BILL SIGNING
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Today, I am signing into law the agriculture appropriations bill. The
us
legislation provides critical funding for the Department of Agriculture and
Food and Drug Administration programs ? including WIC, food safety
programs, and other measures to protect and support rural communities.
It also provides emergency funds to assist our nation?s farmers and
ranchers who are suffering the second year in a row of plummeting crop
prices and, for many, record livestock losses from severe drought and
flooding.
This 1S not a perfect piece of legislation. But I am signing it
because our farmers are facing a true emergency. Their livelihoods ? and,
in some cases, their very survival ? depend upon getting this bill signed
and assistance delivered now.
Let me say that I am disappointed that Congress did not come through
with more assistance for farmers and ranchers who have suffered this year
at the hand of Mother Nature. This summer?s drought, Hurricane Floyd, and
other natural disasters have inflicted billions of dollars in agricultural
damage. We need to do more to help those farmers who have incurred these
losses by no fault of their own.
This is the second year in a row that substantial federal assistance
has been needed above and beyond our regular farm programs. While these
emergency bills have been absolutely critical, the very fact that we?ve
needed them points out the underlying flaws in farm policy.
Any farmer can tell you that a single rainstorm doesn?t end a drought.
And individual measures aren?t enough to build a safety net that protects
farmers year in and year out. For all its positive features, the 1996 Farm
Bill simply does not do enough to help our farmers and ranchers cope in
this crisis. It does not give the USDA the tools it needs to help farmers
I of 2
10/22/99 5:51 AM
DRAFT -- Agriculture Bill Signing Actual Comments to Gottheimer by 9:30am x62554.
and ranchers thrive in the long term. And it does not allocate payments as
efficiently as it should. The bottom line is this: we need to revise,
support that our farmers need to prosper.
revamp, and improve the 1996 Farm Bill. It is not providing the rematent
So once again, I urge Congress to work with our Administration to fix
the Farm Bill ? permanently ? so American farmers can have an adequate
safety net. Just as the Vice President and I have worked hard to reinvent
government, we must take the necessary action to update this outdated
legislation. The men and women who work every day to give us the world?s
most affordable and abundant food supply deserve nothing less. They need
policies that work: ones that offer the freedom to grow, prosper and
operate competitively and profitably in our strong economy.
America?s farmers are the lifeblood of our land, or, as President
Franklin Roosevelt put it, ?the source from which the reservoirs of our
nation?s strength are constantly renewed. ? We must strengthen and support
our farms and our farm families, just as they have sustained us throughout
our history. Thank you.
# # #
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