Patsy T. Mink: “I would like to rise initially to give my strong support to H.R. 2160 and to commend the gentleman from New Mexico [Mr.…”

“I would like to rise initially to give my strong support to H.R. 2160 and to commend the gentleman from New Mexico [Mr. Skeen], the chairman of the subcommittee, and members of the Committee on Appropriations for not yielding to the many demands and requests to amend the farm bill that we struggled so hard a year ago to enact. I also rise to take the time during general debate to remind the House that, notwithstanding the popular view of Hawaii as a tourist mecca of the country and the world, that it is in my district that the bulk of the agricultural economy of my State is sustained. Therefore, we have a very strong support and reliance upon a strong farm bill, and I rise to reiterate the struggles that we had a year ago. Specifically, on the sugar debate, which we anticipate once again will come during the amendment stages, I received a communication today, which I know I cannot insert in the Record at this point, but I would like to read from portions of it.”