Al Franken: “I would like to associate myself with the wise words of my colleague from Missouri, whose State has experienced so much…”

“I would like to associate myself with the wise words of my colleague from Missouri, whose State has experienced so much tragedy last year much like the devastation in Oklahoma. On behalf of the State of Minnesota, our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Oklahoma. I would also like to thank Senator Blunt for cosponsoring an amendment in the farm bill which will make it easier for seniors and those with disabilities to receive groceries in their homes that is delivered by volunteers. They pay for it with their SNAP dollars. I am grateful to the whole Senate for adopting the farm bill package by unanimous consent. I am very grateful for that. I am very pleased the Senate has taken up the farm bill, and I hope we can pass this in the Senate and the House so our Nation's farmers have the certainty they need to provide food for the rest of us. There are so many important pieces to this bill which will be great for Minnesota and Wisconsin. For example, it contains provisions to support beginning and young farmers to help them start farming operations. I think the average age of a farmer in Minnesota is about 58. We need young and beginning farmers. The farm bill also contains important conservation measures so farmers can better protect their land. It also contains a comprehensive energy title--that I helped to write--in order to make our agriculture sector and our Nation more energy independent.…”