Agriculture
The beginning of a new Congress is typically a time of great excitement and an opportunity for lawmakers to refocus their priorities as we look ahead to the next two years. I remain optimistic about what can be accomplished in the 113th Congress, which began on January 3rd, however much of our business from the previous Congress remains unfinished.
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) sent a letter to Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) requesting the inclusion of farm policy in any year-end legislative package considered by the House of Representatives. Smith’s letter also was signed by Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE).
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) along with other members of the House Committee on Ways and Means met with Members of the European Parliament Committee on International Trade to directly discuss trade issues, including the possibility of a transatlantic U.S.-European Union (EU) trade agreement.
Reducing the barriers to international trade has been one of the major accomplishments of the 112th Congress. While many are rightfully frustrated by the lack of bipartisanship, expanding access to trade remains an all-too-rare bright spot for cooperation.
When Congress returns to Washington after the election, we have a long list of items to address before the end of the year. One of the biggest priorities, especially for Nebraska producers, will be passing a responsible Farm Bill to prevent a lapse in policy. Congress also must act to prevent the largest tax hike in American history before the current rates expire on January 1, 2013.
Washington, DC – The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement enters into force today, marking the completion of the three U.S. trade agreements enacted in 2011. Trade promotion agreements with Colombia and South Korea took effect earlier in 2012. Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement:
For more than a year I have worked with agriculture groups, producers across Nebraska and my colleagues in Congress to pass a responsible long-term Farm Bill. Like many others, I am frustrated and disappointed by the failure to come to an agreement, and I believe both parties bear some responsibility for not getting a bill passed.
Washington, DC – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement today after the House finished voting without passing a Farm Bill or an extension before the current bill expires on September 30, 2012.
The House of Representatives returns from the August District Work Period this week with several items left to accomplish during the short amount of time before the November elections.