Political Quotes

“I rise in favor of ending lavish and unneeded ethanol subsidies. This is the second opportunity that my colleagues and I have to end unnecessary subsidies to one of the most profitable and wealthy industries in the world. In May, I voted to end $2 billion a year in tax breaks to the five biggest oil companies that made more than $36 billion in profits in the first 3 months of 2011. And today I will vote to end $6 billion a year subsidies for ethanol blenders. While the Nation is facing record deficits and families and businesses in Maryland are getting crushed with high gas, corn and food prices, ending $6 billion a year in tax breaks for ethanol producers is a no-brainer. The numbers speak for themselves. This subsidy doesn't help the chicken farmers on the eastern shore of Maryland who are paying corn costs that are three times higher than they were 5 years ago. It isn't making us less dependent on foreign oil. And it certainly isn't reducing the deficit. The only thing this subsidy is doing is padding the pockets of oil companies who blend ethanol. These companies don't need taxpayer help to survive--let alone thrive. At a time when Congress is considering devastating cuts to FIRE grants for our first responders, home heating oil assistance for seniors, and nutritious foods for pregnant women and newborns, it makes no sense to preserve a $6 billion a year tax break for an industry that doesn't need it.…”