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Congresswoman Betty McCollum logo

McCollum Stands Up For U.S. Sugar Producers in Farm Bill Debate

October 11, 2013
Statements For the Record

Mr. Speaker, I’m here today on behalf of our farmers in Minnesota and the Midwest.

My state is number one in sugar beet production. And that means that my state’s rural economy will take a direct hit because of this Republican resolution.

This resolution hurts our farmers, small businesses, hospitals, schools --- the lives of real people in rural communities. American grown sugar creates more than 142,000 jobs in 22 states and nearly $20 billion in annual economic activity. We have farmers in the beet fields right now finishing harvesting. And this resolution sends the message that this House wants to shut down sugar production, which will shut down jobs here at home.

But some jobs will be created… IN BRAZIL.

Let’s defend U.S. jobs and defeat this Resolution and stand with sugar beet farmers in Minnesota and across the United States. The Republican majority has already shut down the federal government. I’m won’t stand by and shut down the sugar program.

I yield back.

Issues:Agriculture & Nutrition