Political Quotes

“I want to begin by taking this opportunity to thank the chairwoman and ranking member of the Agriculture Committee for their very strong efforts in getting this bill to the floor today. Their steady hand of leadership has made vast improvements for America's agricultural community and our economy as a whole. I know the tireless effort of our chairwoman and her staff undoubtedly leave America's farm policy in a stronger position than when she found it, and I know she has worked with a forward-looking vision for a thriving agricultural economy and rural community. I also thank the chairwoman and the ranking member for working with me and all the members of our committee throughout the process that got us here today. Because of this strong work, I am urging my colleagues to vote for cloture on the motion to proceed to this bill. When I first came to the Senate 3 years ago, I became the first member from my State of New York to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in almost four decades. It is a responsibility I not only honor but I take incredibly seriously. For those 3 years I traveled all across our great State. I met with our farmers in their communities, listened to their concerns, and I understand their needs and priorities. New York is not home to the corporate megafarms. We are home to small dairy farms, specialty crops, orchards, and vineyards. As we have been shaping and debating this farm bill, those are the farms, the small businesses I have been fighting for.…”