Political Quotes

“on behalf of Illinois agriculture, I rise in strong support of the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act. This bill maintains a viable safety net for our farmers. Since my congressional district receives the second most crop payments of all the freshmen in Congress, a strong subsidy program is critical for farmers in the 17th Illinois Congressional District. Additionally, the bill encourages biofuel research and production, which are vitally important to my congressional district and the energy security of our Nation. The 2007 Farm bill also supports rural America through programs that provide healthcare, emergency communications, and broadband telecommunications services to rural areas. Before the bill passed out of committee, I joined with many of my colleagues to ensure it funded nutrition programs so that Americans continue to have access to a high quality and inexpensive food supply. In response, the bill increases the minimum benefit for the Food Stamp Program for the first time in more than 30 years. For the safety and security of our food and the future of U.S. agriculture, I urge all my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 2419.”