Political Quotes

“Madam President, I wish to discuss the Agricultural Act of 2014, otherwise known as the farm bill. I sincerely appreciate the Agriculture Committee chairwoman's and ranking member's work in moving the process forward. I have made it a priority to keep Pennsylvania's agricultural industry and our rural economies strong to support Pennsylvanian families. Agriculture is the Commonwealth's largest industry. Pennsylvania's farm gate value--that is cash receipts to growers--is about $5.8 billion. Agribusiness in Pennsylvania is a $46.4 billion industry. Seventeen and one-half percent of Pennsylvanians are employed in the food and fiber system. What does this mean? It means that we must have a five-year farm bill. The farm bill creates economic opportunities in our rural areas and sustains the consumers and businesses that rely on our rural economy. This farm bill would reduce the deficit by approximately $23 billion through the elimination of some subsidies, the consolidation of programs and producing greater efficiencies in program delivery. Furthermore, dairy farmers deserve the best dairy program possible. The Senate bill contains many improvements that I support. Dairy is Pennsylvania's No. 1 agricultural sector. The dairy industry annually generates more than $1.8 billion in on-farm cash receipts, which represent about 32 percent of Pennsylvania's total agricultural receipts. There are so many other important items that come out of having a five-year farm bill.…”