Political Quotes

“Madam President, I wish to clarify my understanding of the following report language included with H.R. 83, the Omnibus Appropriations Act: The Secretary is directed to operate the marketing assistance loan program in a way that encourages redemption and minimizes forfeitures of loan commodities to the Federal government, and enables the orderly marketing of loan commodities throughout the year. Further, the Secretary shall ensure that the marketing assistance loan program remains a viable tool for all producers to use in marketing loan commodities freely and competitively. The Senate Agriculture Committee has confirmed this language simply intends to encourage USDA to better inform farmers of the status of any marketing loan gains they may receive during a marketing year for eligible commodities. Furthermore, it was also conveyed by minority staff of the Senate Agriculture Committee that the referenced language in no way seeks to change implementation or enforcement of Section 1603 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. <bullet> Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, I wish to thank Chair Mikulski for her tireless work in keeping our government open for another year. I understand Chair Mikulski and Ranking Member Shelby have worked hard on this bill. In the big picture, this bill continues to honor our commitment to our veterans by allowing advance funding for Veterans Administration accounts so they are locked in a year in advance, ending uncertainty.…”