Political Quotes

“If my colleagues are saying that no taxpayer funds are used for these programs, I don't think that should be a debate, just to clarify that no taxpayer funds are used for these programs. If they are so beneficial, I am looking forward to bringing transparency. They shouldn't be afraid to say that they are doing these great things for farmers, but so far, I have seen them serving large special interest groups and large monopolies, and farmers are becoming more and more consolidated because the little guy cannot survive. This is ultimately the decision of Congress to stand up for the little guy, for consumers, for farmers, or we will continue to cater to large special interest groups making big salaries. Secretary Vilsack was making over a million dollars on checkoff boards while farmers were going bankrupt. Congress needs to stop this insanity and not be afraid to challenge them and say that we do stand for the people, we lobby for the people, and we shouldn't be afraid. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I look forward to bring more transparency, but this is the clarity, and I don't see any opposition to something that everyone believes exists. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. THOMPSON from Pennsylvania. Madam Chair, once again, these checkoff programs are commodity group driven. There are no taxpayer dollars for any of the activities or for USDA oversight of these activities.…”