Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague for his fine statement. Really, the fact that we are here today in a bipartisan effort reflects the good work that has gone on. After intense negotiations between the ethanol and oil industries, agriculture, the environmental community, consumer groups, and the States, we have a historic agreement that is embodied in the Frist-Daschle bill which will provide for significant growth in the renewable fuels industries, including ethanol and biodiesel. Industry has been working for months to implement these recommendations that are protective of the environment, provide refiners with increased flexibility, and provide agriculture with certain growth in market opportunities for ethanol and biodiesel. Certainly, the occupant of the chair, who is from Missouri, knows how great the growth of the ethanol and biodiesel industry is in our State, as farmers are coming together in cooperatives to build facilities to meet the need for this clean, renewable fuel. These are tremendous opportunities for improving our environment, reducing our dependence upon foreign oil, and providing a strong economic base for rural America.”