I have no doubt that the ability to have an economic recovery and create jobs is, in so many ways, determined by what happens with our actions in regard to an energy policy and the development of our own resources. Certainly, while we are…

We are hoping that Mother Nature will be kinder to us.

I think, bottom line, we both know that if we do not work together in a bipartisan way, we may not get the best possible bill but the best bill possible.

I hear time and time again, just as you have said, that our producers and their lenders, especially important in regards to stressing lenders, that crop insurance is the cornerstone of the farm safety net.

Federal crop insurance is paramount to the success and longevity of our farm.

Maintaining a strong safety net in the next farm bill is critical.

Thank you for being so proactive in tackling all the challenges we face.

I hope we can expedite that, and I hope we can be of help to you.

I want to acknowledge that you have already submitted for the record the letter we received from the lending community.

There seems to be this myth floating around that if we just eliminate the direct payments, conservation compliance mysteriously disappears as well.

crop insurance, as Senator Roberts pointed out, is a key component for managing risk today.

I am not sure the lender really appreciates that.

I have not had a single farmer tell me that they prefer a disaster program to crop insurance.

That budget proposal cut the premium assistance to farmers and ranchers, and that is right out of the producers' pocket.

I especially liked your comment on different pathways. Everybody does not have to be on the farm.

I just want the record to show that we cut--'we.' I did not. We did cut in the farm bill in 2008 $6 billion.

The Department of Labor actually proposed new regulations for how our young people can work and learn about agriculture, and there is not anybody on this Committee or anybody in this room that does not care or have the utmost concern for…

We have seen serious fatalities, a record of more than, 21.3 percent per 100,000.