FORD NO FRIEND TO TENNESSEE FARMERS
Congressman Ford Votes Against Repeal of Death Tax – Other Farm Issues
(Nashville) - Through his slick television advertising, Congressman Harold Ford Jr. (D-Memphis) has tried to portray himself as a friend of Tennessee farmers. His true record on agriculture is far different than his rhetoric.
“Congressman Ford Jr. is not a friend to Tennessee’s farmers. He has continually voted against repeal of the death tax, which currently prohibits many folks in our state from keeping the family farm intact. I’m sure Congressman Ford thinks it's better to put people’s hard earned money in the hands of his Washington buddies, rather than keep it in the pockets of hard-working Tennessee farmers and their families,” said Bob Davis, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
Ford has rarely received the American Farm Bureau’s “Friend of the Farm Bureau” award due to his poor record on taxes and farm issues. In the past three Congressional sessions, Ford was missing as an honoree.
Congressman Ford has also voted against free trade and has voiced his support for the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo decision, which makes it easier for government to take privately held land through the process of eminent domain.
THE TRUTH ON HAROLD FORD JR. AND AGRICULTURE
FORD’S VOTING RECORD HURTS FARMING COMMUNITY
A Member Of Congress Since 1997, Congressman Ford Has Not Earned The “Friend Of Farm Bureau” Award From The American Farm Bureau The Past Three Congresses. (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, www.fb.org, Accessed August 16, 2006)
FORD: WRONG ON THE DEATH TAX
“Farm Bureau Supports The Immediate And Permanent Elimination Of Death Taxes.” (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, www.fb.org, Accessed August 20, 2006)
But Congressman Ford Said “Eliminating” The Death Tax “Altogether Is Foolish.” MATTHEWS: “You said you were against millionaires.” FORD: “I think the people that own this bar here, as they pass it on to another generation, should be protected. We should have an exemption that protects the first $5 million of an asset. Anything above that should be I think taxed at perhaps the capital gains rate. I think eliminating it altogether is foolish.” (Rep. Harold Ford, Jr., MSNBC’s “Hardball,” March 23, 2006)
And Just Last Year, Ford Voted Against Permanent Repeal Of The Estate Tax Contained In The 2001 Tax Cut Law. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)
Since 1997, Ford Has Voted At Least Three Times Against Repealing The Estate Tax. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay; H.Res. 524, CQ Vote #401: Adopted 242-158: R 200-3; D 42-155; I 0-0, September 19, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2143, H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #217: Motion Rejected 197-231: R 6-212; D 190-18; I 1-1, June 6, 2002, Ford Voted Yea)
And Ford Voted For Democrat Substitutes That Sought To Water Down Or Limit Estate Tax Repeal. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #101: Rejected 194-238: R 1-228; D 193-9; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #287: Rejected 188-239: R 2-226; D 185-13; I 1-0, June 18, 2003, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #217: Rejected 197-231: R 6-212; D 190-18; I 1-1, June 6, 2002, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #252: Rejected 196-222: R 3-213; D 192-8; I 1-1, June 9, 2000, Ford Voted Yea)
Since 1997, Ford Has Voted At Least Twice Against Measures Providing Estate Tax Relief (Not Repeal). (H.R. 3081, CQ Vote #41: Passed 257-169: R 215-1; D 41-167; I 1-1, March 9, 2000, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2014, CQ Vote #245: Passed 253-179: R 226-1; D 27-177; I 0-1, June 26, 1997, Ford Voted Nay)
If Not Repealed, Small Businesses And Other Estates Would Be Subject To A Maximum 55% Death Tax Beginning In 2011. “Under current law (pl 107-16), the estate tax is being phased out and will disappear in 2010. But it would revert to pre-2001 levels in 2011 without congressional action, with a maximum levy of 55 percent.” (Rachel Van Dongen, “Estate Tax Package Generates Conservatives’ Support — With a Few Caveats,” CQ Today, June 22, 2006)
FORD OPPOSED CAFTA AT THE URGING OF LABOR LEADERS
American Farm Bureau President: “A Vote For CAFTA-DR Is A Vote For U.S. Agriculture.” “As I see it, a vote for CAFTA-DR is a vote for U.S. agriculture. Most of American agriculture agrees – It’s time for CAFTA-DR. The agreement is expected to result in nearly $1.5 billion in agricultural exports after full implementation.” (Bob Stallman, “A Vote For CAFTA-DR Is A Vote For Agriculture,” American Farm Bureau Website,www.fb.org, May 2005)
In 2005, Ford Voted Against The Central American Free Trade Agreement. (H.R. 3045, CQ Vote #443: Passed 217-215: R 202-27; D 15-187; I 0-1, July 28, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)
Exports Of Tennessee Farm Products Help Support More Than 10,000 Jobs In The State. “Exports of farm products help boost Tennessee’s farm prices and income. Such exports help support about 10,254 jobs both on the farm and off the farm in food processing, storage, and transportation. In 2003, Tennessee’s farm cash receipts were $2.3 billion, and agricultural exports were estimated at $649 million, putting its reliance on agricultural exports at 28 percent. Implementation of the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) will increase Tennessee’s exports of agricultural products.” (United States Department Of Agriculture, United States-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement State Fact Sheet, www.fas.usda.gov, May 2, 2006)
FORD EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE KELO V. NEW LONDON DECISION
“Farm Bureau Was Outraged When The U.S. Supreme Court Ruled Private Property Can Be Confiscated By Local Government Entities For Private Economic Development Projects. Farm Bureau has been a champion of the rights of property owners during its nearly 90 years of existence, and was incensed by the June 2005 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Kelo v. The City of New London, Conn. It was a sucker punch against private land owners.” (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, “Farm Bureau Calls for Legislation to Block Eminent Domain Laws,” www.fb.org, Accessed August 20, 2006)
American Farm Bureau Opposes Eminent Domain And Supports Legislation Protecting Property Owners From Eminent Domain Transfers From One Private Entity To Another. “AFBF opposes the use of eminent domain for recreational purposes, private economic development or to expand the landholdings of wildlife agencies. We support legislation stating eminent domain shall not be used to condemn or transfer property from one private entity to another private entity for economic development or any other private use.” (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, www.fb.org, Accessed August 20, 2006)
But In 2005, Ford Indicated Support For The Kelo V. New London Decision Which Increased Eminent Domain Capability Of Government. “You know, we have a lot of blighted property in my city, a lot of areas that are crying out for development. I’ve always been one that believes that individual rights is a big thing and you shouldn’t just take somebody’s property. Yet I think if you look at the housing inventory and the property inventory and the lot inventory across the country there’s some real value to the decision. There’ll be some who will object to say that who is a mayor or a local government official to say that my home doesn’t provide a benefit to the community when a new mall might. I think the numbers will demonstrate that and as long as people are compensated fairly, I can appreciate and understand the decision.” (Teddy Bart’s Roundtable, billhobbs.com, Accessed August 15, 2005)
And In June 2005, Ford Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Prohibited The Use Of Federal Funds For Development Of Property Obtained Through The Power Of Eminent Domain For Private Use. (H.R. 3058, CQ Vote #350: Adopted 231-189: R 192-31; D 39-157; I 0-1, June 30, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)
The Chattanooga Times Free Press Said “Tennesseans Should Be Very Much Concerned To Find That A Congressman Running For The United States Senate Has Such Little Regard For Private Homeowners’ Rights.” (Editorial, “Rep. Ford OKs Home Seizures,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, July 7, 2005)
Congressman Ford Votes Against Repeal of Death Tax – Other Farm Issues
(Nashville) - Through his slick television advertising, Congressman Harold Ford Jr. (D-Memphis) has tried to portray himself as a friend of Tennessee farmers. His true record on agriculture is far different than his rhetoric.
“Congressman Ford Jr. is not a friend to Tennessee’s farmers. He has continually voted against repeal of the death tax, which currently prohibits many folks in our state from keeping the family farm intact. I’m sure Congressman Ford thinks it's better to put people’s hard earned money in the hands of his Washington buddies, rather than keep it in the pockets of hard-working Tennessee farmers and their families,” said Bob Davis, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
Ford has rarely received the American Farm Bureau’s “Friend of the Farm Bureau” award due to his poor record on taxes and farm issues. In the past three Congressional sessions, Ford was missing as an honoree.
Congressman Ford has also voted against free trade and has voiced his support for the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo decision, which makes it easier for government to take privately held land through the process of eminent domain.
THE TRUTH ON HAROLD FORD JR. AND AGRICULTURE
FORD’S VOTING RECORD HURTS FARMING COMMUNITY
A Member Of Congress Since 1997, Congressman Ford Has Not Earned The “Friend Of Farm Bureau” Award From The American Farm Bureau The Past Three Congresses. (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, www.fb.org, Accessed August 16, 2006)
FORD: WRONG ON THE DEATH TAX
“Farm Bureau Supports The Immediate And Permanent Elimination Of Death Taxes.” (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, www.fb.org, Accessed August 20, 2006)
But Congressman Ford Said “Eliminating” The Death Tax “Altogether Is Foolish.” MATTHEWS: “You said you were against millionaires.” FORD: “I think the people that own this bar here, as they pass it on to another generation, should be protected. We should have an exemption that protects the first $5 million of an asset. Anything above that should be I think taxed at perhaps the capital gains rate. I think eliminating it altogether is foolish.” (Rep. Harold Ford, Jr., MSNBC’s “Hardball,” March 23, 2006)
And Just Last Year, Ford Voted Against Permanent Repeal Of The Estate Tax Contained In The 2001 Tax Cut Law. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)
Since 1997, Ford Has Voted At Least Three Times Against Repealing The Estate Tax. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay; H.Res. 524, CQ Vote #401: Adopted 242-158: R 200-3; D 42-155; I 0-0, September 19, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2143, H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #217: Motion Rejected 197-231: R 6-212; D 190-18; I 1-1, June 6, 2002, Ford Voted Yea)
And Ford Voted For Democrat Substitutes That Sought To Water Down Or Limit Estate Tax Repeal. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #101: Rejected 194-238: R 1-228; D 193-9; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #287: Rejected 188-239: R 2-226; D 185-13; I 1-0, June 18, 2003, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #217: Rejected 197-231: R 6-212; D 190-18; I 1-1, June 6, 2002, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #252: Rejected 196-222: R 3-213; D 192-8; I 1-1, June 9, 2000, Ford Voted Yea)
Since 1997, Ford Has Voted At Least Twice Against Measures Providing Estate Tax Relief (Not Repeal). (H.R. 3081, CQ Vote #41: Passed 257-169: R 215-1; D 41-167; I 1-1, March 9, 2000, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2014, CQ Vote #245: Passed 253-179: R 226-1; D 27-177; I 0-1, June 26, 1997, Ford Voted Nay)
If Not Repealed, Small Businesses And Other Estates Would Be Subject To A Maximum 55% Death Tax Beginning In 2011. “Under current law (pl 107-16), the estate tax is being phased out and will disappear in 2010. But it would revert to pre-2001 levels in 2011 without congressional action, with a maximum levy of 55 percent.” (Rachel Van Dongen, “Estate Tax Package Generates Conservatives’ Support — With a Few Caveats,” CQ Today, June 22, 2006)
FORD OPPOSED CAFTA AT THE URGING OF LABOR LEADERS
American Farm Bureau President: “A Vote For CAFTA-DR Is A Vote For U.S. Agriculture.” “As I see it, a vote for CAFTA-DR is a vote for U.S. agriculture. Most of American agriculture agrees – It’s time for CAFTA-DR. The agreement is expected to result in nearly $1.5 billion in agricultural exports after full implementation.” (Bob Stallman, “A Vote For CAFTA-DR Is A Vote For Agriculture,” American Farm Bureau Website,www.fb.org, May 2005)
In 2005, Ford Voted Against The Central American Free Trade Agreement. (H.R. 3045, CQ Vote #443: Passed 217-215: R 202-27; D 15-187; I 0-1, July 28, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)
Exports Of Tennessee Farm Products Help Support More Than 10,000 Jobs In The State. “Exports of farm products help boost Tennessee’s farm prices and income. Such exports help support about 10,254 jobs both on the farm and off the farm in food processing, storage, and transportation. In 2003, Tennessee’s farm cash receipts were $2.3 billion, and agricultural exports were estimated at $649 million, putting its reliance on agricultural exports at 28 percent. Implementation of the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) will increase Tennessee’s exports of agricultural products.” (United States Department Of Agriculture, United States-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement State Fact Sheet, www.fas.usda.gov, May 2, 2006)
FORD EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE KELO V. NEW LONDON DECISION
“Farm Bureau Was Outraged When The U.S. Supreme Court Ruled Private Property Can Be Confiscated By Local Government Entities For Private Economic Development Projects. Farm Bureau has been a champion of the rights of property owners during its nearly 90 years of existence, and was incensed by the June 2005 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Kelo v. The City of New London, Conn. It was a sucker punch against private land owners.” (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, “Farm Bureau Calls for Legislation to Block Eminent Domain Laws,” www.fb.org, Accessed August 20, 2006)
American Farm Bureau Opposes Eminent Domain And Supports Legislation Protecting Property Owners From Eminent Domain Transfers From One Private Entity To Another. “AFBF opposes the use of eminent domain for recreational purposes, private economic development or to expand the landholdings of wildlife agencies. We support legislation stating eminent domain shall not be used to condemn or transfer property from one private entity to another private entity for economic development or any other private use.” (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, www.fb.org, Accessed August 20, 2006)
But In 2005, Ford Indicated Support For The Kelo V. New London Decision Which Increased Eminent Domain Capability Of Government. “You know, we have a lot of blighted property in my city, a lot of areas that are crying out for development. I’ve always been one that believes that individual rights is a big thing and you shouldn’t just take somebody’s property. Yet I think if you look at the housing inventory and the property inventory and the lot inventory across the country there’s some real value to the decision. There’ll be some who will object to say that who is a mayor or a local government official to say that my home doesn’t provide a benefit to the community when a new mall might. I think the numbers will demonstrate that and as long as people are compensated fairly, I can appreciate and understand the decision.” (Teddy Bart’s Roundtable, billhobbs.com, Accessed August 15, 2005)
And In June 2005, Ford Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Prohibited The Use Of Federal Funds For Development Of Property Obtained Through The Power Of Eminent Domain For Private Use. (H.R. 3058, CQ Vote #350: Adopted 231-189: R 192-31; D 39-157; I 0-1, June 30, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)
The Chattanooga Times Free Press Said “Tennesseans Should Be Very Much Concerned To Find That A Congressman Running For The United States Senate Has Such Little Regard For Private Homeowners’ Rights.” (Editorial, “Rep. Ford OKs Home Seizures,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, July 7, 2005)
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