Political Quotes

“Today, I rise in support of passing a 5-year farm bill for rural and urban America. The House Agriculture Committee acted last week to pass a bipartisan farm bill by a vote of 36-10. It saves nearly $40 billion and makes substantial reforms to the food stamp program and farm programs. The bill eliminates direct payments and consolidates many of the conservation programs. Through this, it also saves money but promotes a strong safety net in a way that is accountable to taxpayers. We recognize that the agriculture community will take some cuts, given our Nation's fiscal situation, but we need to continue to support good policies that support our ability to grow our own food in this country. The farm bill we passed out of the committee represents the first reforms to the food stamp program since 1996. We've put a lot of work into this reform and making sure the money goes exactly where it's needed. It closes loopholes in order to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse. The reforms we make ensure that we can keep integrity in the program. It ensures assistance goes to those who need it most. I believe we need to hold the Federal Government accountable to the taxpayers, and this bill is a step in the right direction. Our number one industry in South Dakota is agriculture. I'm proud of the families in my State that have dedicated their lives to growing our food. ____________________”