Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from California for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. This amendment would essentially duplicate an existing program already in place at the U.S. Agency for International Development under the international development assistance account. {time} 1600 USAID already allows for local and regional purchases so there is no need for the same program at the USDA. More importantly, this amendment would use taxpayer dollars to purchase commodities from foreign countries rather than right here at home. Unlike other foreign aid programs, the Food for Peace program is American-made through and through. It was designed to take American commodities on American ships overseas to feed those in need. The Food for Peace program supports American agriculture, exports, and jobs while increasing goodwill overseas and helping those in need. The USDA estimates that for every $1 billion in U.S. agricultural exports, 8,400 American jobs are created. We need to be focused on creating jobs here at home and growing our economy so the United States is able to be abundantly generous to countries that can't grow enough food to feed their growing populations. This amendment gives away American tax dollars to our foreign competitors and puts American jobs at risk. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and support American farmers, workers, and taxpayers.”