Political Quotes

“The purpose of the amendment is to help focus on more long-lasting protection for the water, wildlife, and soil. I appreciate what the ranking member said in terms of issues for additional funding for wildlife habitat, and I have another amendment coming forward which I think helps address that. In the meantime, having an opportunity here to--and I mentioned in the amendment ``to the extent possible,'' the 20 percent is dedicated for the Continuous Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Being able to focus and leverage the local funds seems to me to provide long-term stability and leveraging the State matching. I see my colleague from Virginia is here, but he wants to speak to the next amendment. I respectfully request that Members join with me in an amendment that is supported by the Environmental Working Group, the National Sustainable Agricultural Coalition, Defenders of Wildlife, Pew Trust, Organic Trade Association, Slow Food, Food Democracy Now, Organic Consumers Union, and Union of Concerned Scientists. Allowing us to be able to move forward in this regard, I think, would be a positive. I didn't hear any compelling reasons from my friends other than they thought it would be taken care of. I think this amendment will ensure that it will move forward and respectfully ask that it be approved. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Oregon (Mr.…”