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Watershed programs are an incredibly important part of the conservation toolbox. Unfortunately, I don’t think a lot of folks are really aware of the programs themselves or the benefits they provide which is why today’s hearing is so useful.

As trade deals continue to dominate the discussion, it is worth pointing out that 11 of our top 15 trading partners in 2017 were once recipients of U.S. assistance. Unfortunately, the budget put forward by the administration would completely eliminate two key U.S. Assistance programs: the Food for Peace Program and McGovern-Dole.

This deal is an improvement over current agreements that have hurt U.S. sugar growers but the details will be important. It is disappointing that the agreement in principle appears to leave in place a loophole that keeps the door open to dumping. Mexico and sugar users could annually petition for excess refined sugar to be allowed into the United States.

This budget should be a warning to people in rural America. For years, groups like the Freedom Caucus, Heritage Foundation and Club for Growth have been advocating for these exact policies as part of their goal to completely do away with farm programs. They are now closer to making this a reality than ever before.

I’m very pleased to welcome Secretary Perdue to the Agriculture Committee. It took a while to get you here but it’s nice to see you’ve hit the ground running now that you’re at USDA. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we’re ready to work with you.

I want to thank the Chairman for calling another hearing to allow us to hear from the Farm Credit System and its regulator today. There’s no question that access to credit is necessary for farmers to stay in business, but access to capital is also necessary for ag businesses and rural communities.

I don’t want to find us in another situation where leadership steps in and mucks this up by adding unrealistic work requirements or some other ideological policy that would blow up the whole bill.

The budget cuts programs that help our smaller communities be able to update their water systems and farmers navigate farm programs. These programs support rural areas, which support agriculture, which allows us to have cheap, safe and dependable food.

The President’s request would cut USDA’s budget by $4.7 billion, or 21 percent. It demonstrates a lack of understanding of farm programs and their impact on rural America.

It’s not going to be easy. Every farm bill I have been a part of has been more difficult to pass than the previous one. There are myriad reasons for this but, given the challenges that are sure to lie ahead, I believe 2017 is our best opportunity. I’m ready to get to work.