Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman, and I appreciate his kind words and thoughtful analysis. {time} 2310 The approach that we are taking here is to put an overall limit of $125,000 in addition to what we are talking about. This would have only affected about 6,500 entities in 2009. It is an appropriate step forward. I hear some of my colleagues concerned about changing the rules for a few thousand people who are getting huge amounts of subsidy. You know, this bill will change the rules for tens of thousands of farmers and ranchers who would otherwise get environmental protections, payments for environmental programs. In fact, some of the existing contracts would be abrogated. Now, there are going to be lots of changes going on. I hope that we start now beginning the process of agricultural reform and making clear that we want to start by putting some overall limitation during a time of record high farm prices. There is never a good time to do it. I think the time to do it is now. I look forward to a spirited debate on farm bill reform. I hope at some point we are able to actually do some meaningful reform, as acknowledged by even the proponents from the committee. We have got lots of problems with the existing bill. We could do a better job. It is complicated. Well, this isn't complicated. This is straightforward and direct, and I urge an ``aye'' vote in support of the amendment.”