Political Quotes

“I would like to extend my remarks on the record. The gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon) certainly is correct. This does not control smoking. I rise in opposition to this amendment. I thank the Chairman and rise in strong opposition to this amendment that has the potential to devastate the rural tobacco farmers in Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District, which I have the privilege to represent. Our great country got its first start, and in fact, market edge in the global economy thanks to tobacco growers. Tobacco was America's first true international cash crop, and helped establish America as the best agriculture country in the world at a time when the early settlers were struggling for survival. Unfortunately, in the last five years, we have seen quota cut by more than 50 percent, which has drastically decreased tobacco income and devastated our small farmers and growing communities. It is absolutely wrong that our tobacco farmers are being unfairly handicapped by the last remaining depression-era quota system and the availability of cheap farm labor in countries like Brazil and Turkey. Given this reality, it made perfect sense to vote on a Tobacco Buyout Provision in a bill that dealt directly with international business and markets. I am also confused by the arguments that this will not help small farmers. The facts show otherwise. The average buyout payment, averaged over all 436,719 eligible individuals, is less than $4,400 per year.…”