Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Lucas says President Barack Obama (web | news | bio) 's proposal to cut some government payments to farmers shows a lack of understanding of the Agriculture (web | news) industry.

During a speech to a joint session of Congress this week Obama proposed eliminating subsidies paid to farmers regardless of crop prices or yield.

Lucas says in a statement today that farmers and ranchers are struggling to make a living in the current economic crisis and with falling commodity prices.

Lucas says he's sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack complaining about the president's plan.

While Lucas wants subsidies to farmers protected he's criticized Obama for advocating too much government spending.

After Obama's speech to Congress, Lucas said – quote – "we must all practice fiscal restraint – including the federal government."

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