The chairmen of the Senate and House Agriculture committees agree on how to strengthen the agricultural economy and rural America: eliminate “burdensome regulations.” Both of them used that phrase in a joint statement describing a private meeting to discuss their agendas for the next two years. Senate chairman Pat Roberts said, “Together we will fight burdensome regulations, conduct strong oversight and protect the taxpayer and consumer.” The House chairman, Mike Conaway, said, “I look forward to working together to promote strong farm policy, advocate for expanded trade opportunities, and eliminate burdensome regulations.”
Conaway and members of the House Agriculture Committee met U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman in private to discuss negotiations for free-trade agreements with Pacific Rim nations and with Europe. Agriculture is among the final, major obstacles to the agreements. “Although challenges remain, I was encouraged by our discussion today,” said Conaway in a statement.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is expected to be the sole witness at a House Agriculture Committee hearing on Wednesday on the “state of the rural economy.” The committee is scheduled to meet next Thursday to review the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s agenda for 2015.