Congressman Palmer Kicks Off Washington Legislative Conference

More than 100 Alabama Farmers Federation members traveled to the nation's capital for the Washington Legislative Conference May 19-22.

U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer, representing Alabama's 6th Congressional district, welcomed Alabama farmers to Washington, D.C. at the event's opening breakfast.

"When I ran for Congress, I knew what I wanted to do; I wanted to be on the budget committee because Congress hadn't passed a budget in six years," said Palmer, who serves on the House Budget Committee. "We were able to get a budget passed this year that not only balances in nine years, but it creates a surplus in its 10th year."

Palmer complimented his colleagues on Capitol Hill and said he felt there was no problem they couldn't solve, as long as Congress develops a vision.

"I hope that after 10 years (in the U.S. House of Representatives) that someone could walk up to me and say, 'Palmer, you were part of the best Congress this country has ever had,'" he said.

Later in the day, representatives from the National Cotton Council and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association briefed Alabama farmers on the farm bill and Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Attendees also discussed federal agricultural issues, including the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) proposed rule and feral swine management with administrators from U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies.

Cullman County Farmers Federation President Steve Lake is a first time participant at this conference.

"I was tremendously interested in coming to meet the folks who make the rules and put together policies that support farming," Lake said. "This has been a real eye-opener. Running our government is a complex undertaking. I'm learning more about what is involved to make agriculture work on a global scale."

The evening concluded with the annual Federation BBQ, a highlight for Congressmen and their staff.

The conference continues tomorrow, where farmers will meet with their U.S. representatives over breakfast. U.S. Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions will speak during the Senate luncheon, followed by a group trip to the Australian Embassy.

enate luncheon, followed by a group trip to the Australian Embassy.