Political Quotes

“This is a special moment for American agriculture as well as an opportunity to address the major challenges America faces: our long-term government spending, our budget deficit, environmental protection, and the health problems of our families. It is also key to improving the economy, which should be our number one priority. Helping more people at less cost by reducing subsidies to large agribusiness also speaks directly to the frustrations of protesters from coast to coast, whether they are occupying Wall Street or they are Tea Party protesters. Now, there is no doubt that America's massive investment in farm support--hundreds of billions of dollars of taxpayer money--the special rules and regulations, and tariff protections have all contributed to the success of American agriculture. It has boosted productivity and made a difference in providing plentiful low-cost food. Left unaddressed is whether this expensive patchwork of complicated and excessive programs is the best we can do. The answer from independent analysts is overwhelming. We can do far better for less money and help more farmers and ranchers and especially those Americans in need of food. Today, I am releasing a report entitled ``Growing Opportunities: Family Farm Values for Reforming the Farm Bill,'' which brings together that big picture and illustrates a better way.…”