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Chris Van Hollen
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Statement of Chris Van Hollen in Support of H.R. 2419, The Farm Bill of 2007

Washington, Aug 27 -

I want to commend Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Peterson and all of the members of the Agriculture Committee for the work they’ve done in crafting this very important bill.  I think that we understand that no bill that comes before this House is perfect, but this bill represents a very careful balancing of important national priorities – protecting the family farmer, strengthening land conservation, environmental protection, renewable energy sources, and nutrition programs – and all done in a fiscally responsible manner. 

I particularly want to thank Subcommittee Chairman Joe Baca for his efforts on nutrition.  I am especially grateful and thankful to Congressman Peterson and Subcommittee Chairman Holden for their efforts to protect the nation’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay.  The Chesapeake Bay comprises six states and the District of Columbia as part of the watershed. 

The scientists have told us that the health of the Chesapeake Bay is in grave danger unless we take action now.  Almost 50% of the excessive nutrient pollution comes from the run-off from farm operations.  Our farmers want to be part of the solution to this problem but they need technical and financial assistance to do so.  This bill provides farmers on the more than 66,000 farms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed with the tools they need to help protect the Chesapeake Bay.  It represents a historic leap in federal support for our efforts to protect this national, natural treasure, the Chesapeake Bay. 

I want to thank, again, the members of the Committee for taking this landmark step with respect to Chesapeake Bay protection.  It is a national treasure.  It is a Bay, of course, in the backyard of our nation’s Capitol.  We need to lead by example.  I thank the Chairman, I thank the Committee, and I urge the adoption of this bill.  Thank you.