Bobby Rush: “It is my hope that following today's hearing my Republican colleagues will finally agree to discuss actual substance…”

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.

I am absolutely committed to the idea, and the potential, of trying to create a unity of will, a unity of spirit, and a unity of understanding, in terms of the whole cooperative sector of our society.

It's imperative we safeguard both these program titles for our national security and the economic viability of U.S. farmers and ranchers.

Discrimination and prejudice absolutely should not be tolerated in any government program, any organization, or any individual.