Political Quotes

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I do think that is a timely request. Thankfully, the farm bill is being marked up tomorrow in the Agriculture Committee, and I do think that is the appropriate venue to discuss the caps on subsidies for crop insurance. I would agree that is probably a wise thing to take a look at. However, what we are dealing with right now is the fact that we do have former Presidents who are receiving substantial perks from our American taxpayers. So I am disappointed that my colleagues across the aisle continue to block this bipartisan amendment designed to save millions of dollars. Do my colleagues across the aisle think former Presidents should continue to receive unlimited, taxpayer-funded allowances as they make millions and millions of dollars per year from book deals and speaking engagements? It is not uncommon for a former President to command $400,000 per hour-long speech. The average household income in Iowa is about $55,000. That means that in about 8\1/2\ minutes, that former President is making what an Iowa family makes in a year. I wish my colleagues across the aisle would reconsider. I formally object to the modification. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. Is there objection to the original request?”