Emanuel Cleaver: “I seldom come to this floor to stand in this well. To me, it is almost a sacred place where the great orators like…”

“I seldom come to this floor to stand in this well. To me, it is almost a sacred place where the great orators like Webster debated. But I have got to talk about this because it is something that is impacting thousands and thousands of people I represent in my district. In a recent letter from the President of the Missouri Soybean Association, farmers expressed their concerns regarding President Trump's ongoing statements on tariffs and the U.S.-China trade relationships, stating: ``Missouri farmers have invested time away from their farm, family, and millions of dollars in developing their foreign markets, and it's imperative that we don't jeopardize these investments. . . .'' At what point do we call on one another to address the inevitable detriment these farmers are routinely placed in under this administration? In Missouri alone, the restricted access to China, which is the number one trading partner for U.S. soybean farmers, has created a $2 drop in soybean prices, resulting in nearly $212 million in lost earnings, over 3,000 fewer jobs, and an estimated $726.6 million annual reduction in State and local economic activity--for the State of Missouri alone. Imagine the combined impact this has had on other States that are major producers and exporters. Using America's farmers as collateral in a trade war is wrong, and hardworking farmers, their families, and our communities deserve much better.…”