Political Quotes

“I rise in strong support, as a cosponsor of the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Sherwood), along with the other Members who are signing onto this, and the over 160 Members, and counting, of this House of Representatives that support not only the continuation of the dairy compact but the expansion of the compact. Mr. Chairman, we are talking about a document and legislation that is being supported by State legislatures, that is being supported by governors, and that is asking the United States Congress, not for the first time, Mr. Chairman, but for the third time to extend and expand the compact. This works. It has worked well. My friends may offer arguments by saying it protects a region, that it increases the prices, and is not a benefit to the consumers. But the facts do not bear that out. In the compact States, as we have been able to show, the production is down versus the national average. In the compact States, the prices are lower than the national average. The consumers have actually been able to benefit. I would submit, Mr. Chairman, that by supporting locally owned independent small businesses, which are these agricultural entities, we are supporting the strength of America and the strength of Maine, which is predominantly small businesses, family businesses.”