Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman I rise today in opposition to the amendment offered by my colleagues, an amendment that would gut the market access program. We revisit this issue annually. I'd like to point out a few things about MAP, which used to go by the acronym MPP. Over the past several years, Congress has mandated several reforms. These changes help small businesses and co-ops, limit branded promotion activities and increase the cost share requirements for private firms. On top of that the authorized level of spending was cut $20 million in the 1996 farm bill. But step back and look at the larger picture. The farm bill that was signed into law a little more than 2 months ago made sweeping changes in agriculture policy. An integral part of those reforms was increasing the focus on exports. American farmers are competing for market share in countries around the world. They are competing against farmers in countries that provide far, far deeper subsidies. In my home State of Maine, potato farmers are suffering at the hands of subsidized Canadian imports. One bright spot is the potential for overseas outlets for Maine potatoes. The industry is exploring options. They need assistance in gaining access to those markets. I recently talked to a friend of mine, Rodney McCrum who farms 650 acres of potatoes in Aroostook County, ME. I asked him about MAP. He said, and I quote, ``That program really expands the world market to create jobs here in Maine.”