Jeff Miller: “I support this rule. I think it is unfortunate we must have a rule at this time, but under the circumstances we need to…”

“I support this rule. I think it is unfortunate we must have a rule at this time, but under the circumstances we need to have this rule. I like to think of this as a very sweet rule, and, speaking about sweet rules, one of the amendments made in order is 30 minutes of debate time on a bill, on an amendment to reform the sugar program in this country. It is only incremental change in the sugar program, but it is very important. Last year when I tried to present a sugar repeal program, unfortunately I had a very difficult time getting a rule made in order that would allow that amendment under freedom to farm, so I am very pleased that it was made in order today. Even though I prefer more than 30 minutes, I think 30 minutes will give us enough time for both the proponents and the opponents of this program because the sugar program is a very complex program, it is a cartel-type arrangement in this country where the price of sugar is kept at twice the world price of sugar so that in Canada, Mexico, Australia, other countries that have a free market of sugar, sugar sells for half the price it does in the United States.”