Sherwood Boehlert: “Mr. Chairman, I rise this morning on behalf of America's farmers, on behalf of America's hunters and fishermen, and on…”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise this morning on behalf of America's farmers, on behalf of America's hunters and fishermen, and on behalf of the environment. What do the National Wildlife Federation, the American Farm Bureau, and the National Rifle Association all have in common? They are all strong supporters of the Boehlert conservation amendment. Why have major agriculture and environmental organizations in the United States endorsed my conservation amendment? Because the conservation amendment before us is truly profarmer and proenvironment. Chairman Roberts, Chairman Barrett, and Congressman Peterson have all worked with me to craft a conservation title that provides American farmers with the resources they need to protect the environment that we all need. Every urban American and every rural American will benefit from this amendment. Today, 51 percent of all privately owned lands in the United States are held by farmers and ranchers. If we are serious about improving the quality of America's rivers and lakes, and we darn well better be, if we are serious about preserving essential wildlife habitat, and we darn well better be, if we are serious about protecting our Nation's drinking water supplies, and, there is nothing more important than that, we have got to work with the American farmer.”