Sanford Bishop: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. As I have said before, Congress'…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. As I have said before, Congress' oversight role is one of the most important functions. That function extends to preserving the integrity of science. The academics, economists, and researchers at USDA produce top-notch scientific reports characterizing the state of the farm economy, the agricultural industry at large, and analyzing future impacts. It is clear that one of the most important stressors on agriculture today and in the coming years will be the effects of climate change. We cannot prevent the effects of climate change by simply removing any reference to it in the Department's scientific publications. We must allow the science community to do its work, free from political influence. Madam Chair, I have no objection to the proposed amendment, and I urge its adoption.”