Political Quotes

“Madam President, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 contains many important provisions for my State of Michigan and for our Nation's farmers and that is why I am voting in support. The Senate passed a farm bill in 2012, but the House took no action. This was unfortunate, as that farm bill as well as the one before us now contain important reforms to agricultural programs. Reforms that will better help farmers manage their risk and better protect the environment. CBO estimates that the Senate introduced bill would reduce direct spending by $18 billion over a 10-year period. The bulk of these savings come from the elimination of direct payments to growers and restructuring of conservation programs. While achieving this budgetary savings, the bill provides important funding for agricultural producers. I am pleased that this farm bill provides funding for specialty crops. My home State is second only to California in the number of crops grown and is second to none in production of 18 different commodities including tart cherries, cucumbers, blueberries, dry black and red beans and cranberries. The bill before us provides mandatory funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, continues funding for specialty crop block grants and consolidates efforts to fight invasive pests. The bill also includes important conservation provisions to reduce erosion, improve wildlife habitat, and protect water quality, including that of the Great Lakes.…”