Political Quotes

“I would urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment that would prohibit the zero cost check-off programs. These programs are funded by the private industry, not taxpayers. They are incredibly beneficial to farmers and businesses who want to help market their products. For example, the ``Got Milk'' campaign came from a check-off program used by the dairy industry. The ``Incredible Edible Egg'' is another one. No single egg farmer is going to have the resources to run a national television ad encouraging folks to eat more eggs. Let's be clear. This is a program that commodity groups vote on and agree to. The ``Got Milk'' campaign happened because dairy farmers got together, voted, and decided they wanted to go ahead and do research and a promotion program. Let's not take the ability for the industry to come together, pool their own money, and market their product. I would urge a ``no'' vote and ask for the yeas and nays. Mr. DeMINT. How much time do we have? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from South Carolina has 10 seconds. Mr. DeMINT. I will remind everyone that while it is not taxpayer money, we are forcing businesses to do things they don't necessarily want to do. My amendment would allow any business to join the check-off program voluntarily. That is the American way. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There is a sufficient second. The question is on agreeing to the amendment. The clerk will call the roll.…”