"opening statement"
"Today's topic, food prices, is an important one, and it is one that we really haven't discussed much in previous hearings."
"It is important for us as Members to understand the entirety of the food system."
"It is important that we recognize that relationship."
"Thank you. All of you have highlighted the relative stability and affordability of food in this country, but there are important distinctions to be made among income groups."
"SNAP has important short-term benefits, reducing hunger and poverty, increasing demand for food, as well as important long-term benefits."
"Others have proposed even more Draconian cuts."
"the benefit for most families doesn't allow them to be able to afford groceries for an entire month."
"Making the connection from farm to fork provides a great opportunity for people in both urban and rural areas..."
"I appreciate you not tiptoeing around the issue, because I am very, very concerned about this."
"I am deeply worried about this because I am worried that this is the direction that the majority in this Congress want to move in, and that would be a huge, huge mistake."
"Many of them, by the way, are veterans who have served our country and have fallen on hard times, and they are going to lose their food benefits, which to me is outrageous."