Ray Netherwood, Candidate for U.S. Congress, District 19 (Naples/Ft. Myers), issues statement on the passing of the Federal Agricultural Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 by the U.S. House of Representatives
“House Republicans, especially those from the Tea Party movement, like to claim that they are against excessive spending and subsidies that hinder the free market from offering lower prices to consumers. Those principles are only “words” and are contradicted by their support for the Federal Agricultural Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (or FARRM), commonly referred to as the Farm Bill. The $195 billion bill was passed by a 216 – 208 vote, with only 12 Republicans not voting for it. Our Trey Radel was NOT one of the 12.
This shows that Republicans are fine with welfare as long as it is going toward special interests. It also feeds the Democrats’ stereotyping of the GOP as uncaring for the poor while attentive to corporations. While it seemed like a positive step forward to separate agricultural subsidies and SNAP (food stamps) into two separate bills, it is clear that Republicans wanted to make sure certain industries got subsidies – but not individuals.
FARRM will cost $195 billion over 10 years. Taxpayer money will subsidize about 62% of premiums for farmers who have insurance. In addition, about one-third of this $195 billion will go to the top 4% of farm operators, to include such corporations as Pilgrim’s Pride, which had $8.1 billion in revenues in 2012; and Riceland Foods, which had $1.1 billion in revenue in 2011.
The bill also maintained restrictions on the importing of foreign sugar, further removing Republicans from the ideals of a free market that would provide lower costs for sugar and everything made with sugar for American consumers. The sugar lobbyists have accomplished what they’re paid to do: making sure the sugar market is NOT free and fair.
The Libertarian Party believes that efforts by the government to redistribute wealth, or to control or manage trade, are improper in a free society. Instead, our government is controlling the food market from production to our dinner tables. It’s ironic that Mr. Radel has produced a glossy mailer, printed and delivered with our tax dollars, not highlighting accomplishments, but throwing the masses “a bone” with rambling promises about “groceries and gas”. I would oppose the Farm Bill, and support reining in SNAP.
While Republicans may talk about cuts, they are still unashamed in benefitting their special interests. Tea party Republicans, in particular, violated their own proclaimed principles in their support of the FARRM act. Libertarians have no allegiance to a “left” or “right” special interests or ideology … only to the Constitution and to you.” – Ray Netherwood
Ray Netherwood is a Libertarian candidate for US Congress, District 19. Ray served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years. After retiring from the Air Force in 1995, Ray worked as the Administrator of the Chesterfield Health District and also served as the Acting Executive Advisor to the Deputy for Health Policy for the Virginia Department of Health. Ray and his wife Shelley live in Marco Island, FL. For more information, please visit www.Ray2014.com.