Jodey Arrington: “I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding, and I am thrilled to, once again, join forces with my close friend…”

“I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding, and I am thrilled to, once again, join forces with my close friend, ally, and champion for rural America, Henry Cuellar, to do some good not only for Texas or for the food, fuel, and fiber capital of the world, which is west Texas, but to provide energy dominance and agriculture security and independence for this great Nation of ours. That is no small thing for the hardworking, God- fearing, freedom-loving people in rural America. Madam Speaker, I am not just talking about west Texas, where Henry and I are from; I am saying all up and down the backbone of the United States of America and heartland communities all the way from the largest inland port in Laredo, as the gentleman mentioned, to the Canadian border. The ag and energy corridor is critical for our food security and energy independence, and it will more seamlessly and cost effectively and safely move that critical product to export terminals and markets around the world, giving our farmers, ranchers, and energy producers a much-needed advantage. Mr. Cuellar and I worked together on many of the elements that I see as essential to the future prosperity of rural America. I always say, rural America is not just the energy basin and breadbasket, it is the backbone of America's traditional values. Madam Speaker, again, I thank Mr. Cuellar for being such a loud and proud champion for these forgotten men and women.…”