Not everyone farms, but everyone eats

We will examine how we are spending money, where the money is going, and whether the goals of each program are being met. We will look for duplication within issue areas to determine program overlap. We will scrutinize waste, fraud and abuse, and look for ways to build on the success USDA has already achieved.

We have an obligation to taxpayers to ensure our resources are being spent wisely.

Throughout this effort we must not forget a simple fact: not everyone farms, but everyone eats.

Our farmers and ranchers continue to provide us with food and fiber every day despite dealing with measures beyond their control such as the uncertainties of weather patterns, markets, and foreign competition.

Agricultural policy affects every American. It’s important to all of us that we get it right.

Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) is the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.