Political Quotes

“I urge that the amendment be defeated. I am prepared to yield back the remainder of my time. I ask unanimous consent that there be printed in the Record a copy of a letter to me from the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports that I referred to in my remarks. There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports, Washington, DC, July 22, 1997. Dear Senator: It is our understanding the Senate may consider the FY 1998 agriculture appropriations bill as early as today. Accordingly, we want to take this opportunity to urge your strong opposition to any amendment which may further reduce or eliminate funding for USDA's Market Access Program (MAP). A similar amendment was defeated last year by a 55-42 vote. MAP has been substantially reformed and refocused. It is now specifically targeted towards farmer-owned cooperatives, small businesses and trade associations. Further, it is administered on a cost-share basis with farmers and ranchers, and other participants, required to contribute as much as 50 percent or more toward the program's cost. In addition to encouraging U.S. agricultural exports, it has helped create and maintain needed jobs throughout the economy. Over one million Americans have jobs which depend on U.S. agricultural exports.…”