Bobby Rush: “Mr. Chairman, in the course of this hearing I referenced an article in the Chicago Tribune dated June 6, 2012.”

I certainly want to thank you, Mr. Chairman. This has been a very, very informative hearing, and I thank you for it.

We on the Agriculture Committee have a special and unique mission to try to help solve the problem of Black farmers in our nation.

What specific policies would you recommend to combat the historic and current discrimination too often faced by Black and Brown farmers in your respective industries?

I am continually concerned about the impact of any new costs on our nation's farmers and, specifically, the energy costs as it relates to minority farmers and consumers.