Political Quotes

“My colleague from California has it right. California is in a severe drought, as well as half a dozen other States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Georgia, Oregon, and Nevada. The intent of this amendment is to signal to the Department of Agriculture to move some money out of the salaries and the support for the Farm Service Agency and over to the Emergency Conservation Program. We know $11 million isn't going to do it, but it is a good start, and it is a signal that we need to send. I know that, in my own district, we normally have over 500,000 acres of rice. This year, it will be 300,000 acres of rice planted. We have tens of thousands of acres of walnuts and almonds. Many of those orchards are going to die, unless there is an opportunity to provide for the emergency conservation programs that will be needed. Those are wells, pumps, and other systems. We ought to do this. I urge an ``aye'' vote on this amendment. It moves money from one account to another account and back to the original account. This is a messaging amendment. I ask for your ``aye'' vote. Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, our farmers need the assistance right now. I am glad that the House appears to be ready to take a vote. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment Offered by Mr. Garamendi”