Rep. Barrow visits Jenkins
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Congressman John Barrow, left, is introduced by Wade Parker, Jenkins County Extension Service Coordinator, during the representative's 4th annual Rural Listening Tour visit to Jenkins County Friday, Feb. 22. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)

The Farm Bill and illegal immigration were two topics local citizens wanted to discuss with Congressman John Barrow during the representative's 4th annual Rural Listening Tour visit to Jenkins County Friday, Feb. 22. The representative met with local citizens at the Jenkins County Agriculture Center.

Rep. Barrow described the Farm Bill as the "most pressing issue" facing Congress and expressed his belief that the House of Representatives' version was "good." He also acknowledged that the bill had been "dead in the Senate for 3- 4 months."

"There is no working majority in the Senate on this issue," Rep. Barrow commented, but expressed optimism that legislators could get something done before the program extension expires March 15.

"There is a change of attitude in the Congress toward agriculture," he said.

On the issue of illegal immigration, the Congressman commented, "I believe we have to secure our borders and secure our jobs and benefits first. If the jobs are secure, eventually the message will get across. Securing our jobs eliminates the motive and the opportunity for the crime."

He further stated that he opposed amnesty of any "shape or form" for illegal aliens.

Barrow expressed his belief that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) may have been good in theory but, "turned out to be a huge disaster", costing many Americans their jobs.

He also noted, "While goods may be produced at a lower cost, that savings is not passed on to consumers.

"We have got to insist on trade agreements that are genuinely fair," Barrow said.

A representative from Cong. Barrow's office is available to meet with local citizens on the first and third Mondays of each month from noon until 2:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Jenkins County Commissioners' office on the third floor of the Jenkins County Courthouse.