Political Quotes

“Agricultural exports are the unsung heroes of American trade. Yesterday the Census Bureau released the annual U.S. trade figures, revealing that $111 billion deficit for 1995. Many people are legitimately frustrated with the high trade deficit. But most people are surprised to learn that the United States actually has a trade surplus, yes; surplus, in agricultural exports. America exports more corn than coal, more meat than cosmetics, and more fruits and vegetables than steel, iron, and aluminum combined. In fact, our trade surplus of foods, feeds, and beverages actually increased by over $6 billion from 1994 to 1995, reaching a record $50.5 billion in total exports. The future of ag exports is in the area of high value products. These are products that have value added to them through processing and those which require special handling or shipping. The 16th District of Illinois is fortunate to have many of these companies, including thousands of pounds of pork tenderloins that are shipped each week from Rochelle Foods in Rochelle, IL. The programs authorized under the Roth amendment all contribute to the continued success of our ag exports. Our Food for Peace Programs help the poorest of the poor countries in dealing with fighting malnutrition. This is a program which provides surplus U.S. commodities directly to the people in need around the world.”