I join Roger Pilon in expressing sadness at the passing of federal judge and U.S. senator James Buckley. I became acquainted with Jim when he was in his 90s, and I was so impressed that he was still actively considering policy issues and influencing public debate. James Buckley reached the century mark, and his mind was sharp until the end.
Chris Edwards
New Zealand’s Free Market Farming
With Congress scheduled to reauthorize farm subsidies this fall, lawmakers should consider reform lessons from New Zealand. Facing high budget deficits in the 1980s, New Zealand cut government spending, including eliminating nearly all farm subsidies. That was an impressive reform because the country is highly dependent on agriculture. Since then, New Zealand has remained a model of market‐based farming.
With Congress scheduled to reauthorize farm subsidies this fall, lawmakers should consider reform lessons from New Zealand. Facing high budget deficits in the 1980s, New Zealand cut government spending, including eliminating nearly all farm subsidies. That was an impressive reform because the country is highly dependent on agriculture. Since then, New Zealand has remained a model of market‐based farming.
Department of Agriculture Bureaucracy
Congress is scheduled to consider a major farm bill this year, which will reauthorize many U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, including farm subsidies and food stamps. The legislation could cost $150 billion a year and so presents an opportunity to find budget savings and reduce the flood of red ink in Washington.
Cutting Farm Subsidies
The bipartisan debt‐ceiling deal passed in June reflected a new congressional focus on spending restraint. Congress should extend the restraint when it considers a major farm bill this fall. Cutting farm subsidies is a good way to tackle wasteful spending and reduce budget deficits.
Which farm programs should Congress cut?
Governors Running for President
The next president will face a huge federal budget mess. Spending is driving up debt to unprecedented levels.
Farm Bill 2023: Crop Insurance Subsidies
Farm subsidy programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture displaces private methods of managing risk and gives subsidies to farm businesses that do not need them.
Farm Bill Palooza
Congress’s Farm Bill bundles a bunch of loser provisions together, making it a legislative winner.
Stealing from SNAP
Federal hand‐out programs are looted by criminal gangs in an organized fashion.
Stabilizing Debt at 100% of GDP
Federal debt and interest costs are headed toward levels never seen in our nation’s history.
Independence in 1776; Dependence in 2023
Federal government spending is soaring and debt will soon reach record highs compared to the size of the economy. Rising spending and debt are undermining growth and may push the nation into a financial crisis.