McMorris Rodgers hosts town hall event

COLFAX – Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers held a town hall meeting with farmers of the Palouse area at McGregor company Monday, March 13, at 9 a.m.

Chairman of the Board of Directors for the McGregor Company, Alex McGregor, introduced the Congresswoman stating that Rodgers has shown dedication to rural communities and farm families in facing their challenges.

"So many people are unfamiliar with how really remarkable farm families are," McGregor said, adding that at the next farm bill discussion there will be 260 members of congress who have not been part of a farm bill discussion before.

McGregor added that he felt there's a real opportunity to move forward, "despite all the challenges we face we have a fine friend and ally who is there for us in Eastern Washington," he said, introducing Rodgers to speak.

Rodgers noted that she is grateful to the American farmer, and believes that we all need to do what we can to celebrate what the American farmer means to us.

"The American farmer over the last 100 years has been the best anti-poverty program that the world has seen," Rodgers said, noting that we must continue on focusing on the fact that the American farmer is strong.

Rodgers mentioned saving the Snake River Dams, in her opening statements.

"This is critical infrastructure," she said, noting that there's been decades of investment made and continuing to be made.

Several topics were discussed in concerns to the farm bill, including increased funding and support for free trade agreements.

A farmer asked why the farm bill is not decoupled from food stamps. To which the Congresswoman answered that the food stamps connection with the farm bill is long gone.

The electric conversion of farm equipment was a concern brought up by a farmer, "It's more battery than combine," he stated, also noting that the rising cost of fuel was an issue concerning farming.

Rodgers stated that they are putting together the budget, and focusing on the debt ceiling.

In her opening statements Rodger's noted that she has spoken with Chairman of the House Committee of Agriculture Glenn "GT" Thompson, who wants to to come out to the Pacific Northwest and hold a farm bill hearing with the agriculture committee.

"There's no substitute for actually having members of the Agriculture committee come and hear directly from you," she said, noting that it will be good for everyone affecting the world and the nation.