Manuel Lujan: “Senator Booker, thank you. I won't be surprised if Mom is watching right now. So you are probably going to get some…”

“Senator Booker, thank you. I won't be surprised if Mom is watching right now. So you are probably going to get some messages from her. But I want to thank my friend and colleague from the great State of New Jersey. You have been holding this space for the American people now for well over 17 hours. While we represent different parts of the country, Senator Booker, we have the same values. I learned from you the importance of treating people with respect and dignity. That is what we should all be talking about here today--every day. I have also learned a lot about grace from you. Now, I come to the floor to ask you a question about farmers. You and I both appreciate the long hours that farmers put in to take care of that soil, their families, the planning that goes into this, sowing the seeds. Sometimes you have to do a little weeding to make sure that we are going to all benefit from the fruits of their labor. Having fresh food in a grocery store is not something that can be taken for granted. And for a lot of our constituents--I have had these conversations with nominees who have come before us, when they ask me: Well, why is someone just eating potato chips or Doritos from that local store? I will educate them by saying: That is the only store around.”