David Loebsack: “I do thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding. I would first like to voice my support for the gentleman's…”

“I do thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding. I would first like to voice my support for the gentleman's particular amendment, actually, that he has before us--and will later on today-- that restores the unfair SNAP cuts. I thank the gentleman for his amendment, for his courage and for his very, very good idea of restoring those cuts when it comes to the underlying bill. Later today, I will offer an amendment to ensure farmers and rural small businesses have continued access to a critical tool to pursue investments in energy technologies and to meet their energy needs in an affordable and sustainable way. Currently, the Rural Energy for America Program supports farmers and rural small businesses in pursuing sustainable and value-added energy project investments, including wind power, biofuels, solar, or anaerobic digestion. These projects put people to work, they create entrepreneurial opportunities, and they have created new value-added opportunities for our farmers, for rural small businesses, and for our communities. I have heard from Iowans about the importance of this energy and economic development tool, and my amendment ensures farmers and rural businesses have continued access to it. I am strongly opposed to the changes made in the underlying bill, which weaken essential energy initiatives that create jobs and boost our economy. Because of these initiatives, thousands of jobs have been created in rural communities in recent years.…”