Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. The Botanic Garden is a national treasure. The history of the Botanic Garden starts over 200 years ago. Originally, the idea for a Botanic Garden came from George Washington himself. Congress formally established the Garden in 1820 and it is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. The Botanic Garden is dedicated to demonstrating the aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic and ecological importance of plants to the well-being of humankind. More than 750,000 visitors a year experience the Botanic Garden's plants displays, innovative exhibits, and special programs. The Botanic Garden maintains 13,000 accessions, which equates to about 26,000 plants. Its noteworthy collections include medicinal plants, rare species, orchids, carnivorous plants, cacti, bromeliads, cycads and ferns. Some of the plant specimens date back to the Garden's original 1842 founding collection. There is no better place to gain an understanding of the essential relationship of plants to human life than at the Garden. Through living displays that feature the biodiversity of plants from around the world, the Garden brings to light the many benefits derived from plants including oxygen, food, medicine, fiber, fragrance, shelter, and inspiration. Education is also a critical mission of the Botanic Garden.…”