Reaching out in D.C.

Business News/Analysis, Federal Legislation, Federal Regulation, Iowa, Opinions, Policy

August 8, 2014

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by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) …. But, when the Iowans visited Washington recently a few of them also spoke with members of Congress and congressional staffers from non-ag regions in an effort to educate them about agriculture and about issues of importance to farmers.
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The congressmen and staffers learn about ag issues, and the farmers learn people outside their state may not know much about those same issues.
Meanwhile, the farmers who met with Iowa’s delegation got the chance to bring up new issues or thank members of congress for their support on long-term issues.
Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, showed up for his meeting wearing a “Don’t Mess with the RFS” button.
Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, talked at length about his efforts to reach across the aisle to garner support for ethanol and the farm bill.
Retiring Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, said it is challenging to pass anything in the House because many urban Democrats oppose some ag measures, and some of those in the Tea Party wing of the Republican Party won’t support much of anything that involves spending money.
“It’s like herding cats today,” Latham said. “There are people on our side of the aisle who won’t vote for anything, and people on the other side who don’t understand agriculture.” READ MORE

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