Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the so-called Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act. This bill is anything but disaster assistance agriculture. It is a bill by Republican leadership to provide cover for not bringing up a real farm bill. Farmers and ranchers do not need a temporary disaster bill--they need a farm bill that provides disaster assistance but so farmers and ranchers can make sound future business decisions. Republicans often say uncertainty about ``regulation'' is harming the economy. Yet here we are considering a temporary measure when American agriculture needs certainty. It is ironic we are here considering a temporary measure that creates uncertainty because about a year ago the United States' credit rating was downgraded. Why? Republicans created uncertainty in the financial markets during the debt ceiling debacle. By taking up temporary disaster aid and not a farm bill, Republicans must want to downgrade American agriculture. This bill kicks the can down the road, as Republicans have done far too often. The House should stay and do the people's work instead of running off on a recess. We won't stay though, because Republicans refuse to compromise with Democrats on paying the bills due and now the farm bill languishes. This refusal shows us that Republicans are not serious about a farm bill or deficit reduction, creating jobs and growing our economy.…”