Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge Congress to pass this bill, which would fund agricultural and nutrition programs that are vital to our Nation's farmers and well-being. I also rise to ask that my colleagues refrain from turning millions of hardworking SNAP recipients into pawns in a shutdown fight over a feckless border wall. While the President continues to insist on shutting down key agencies like the USDA, our Nation's farmers are facing uncertainty. Every month, USDA releases the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, which provides important information about the size of crop harvests. However, due to the shutdown, the USDA is unable to send out this highly anticipated report, casting doubt on the agricultural commodities markets. Even worse, the shutdown has forced USDA to stop providing assistance to the thousands of farmers feeling intense pressure from President Trump's ridiculous trade war. Agriculture is the number two economic driver of Florida's economy. This shutdown could also potentially affect our public health. The FDA cannot accept any new regulatory submissions during the shutdown. This means that food and drug manufacturers can't provide documentation to the agency to verify compliance with safety regulations. The FDA has also been forced to cut back inspections of food processing facilities, putting public health at risk. Essential inspectors are working without pay.…”