Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for being with us.

If any of my colleagues want to join some of us in raising that to a $14 level, I welcome them to do so.

We are talking about families that are working really hard, and just need a few extra bucks to eat.

I am personally committed to ensure that we pass a farm bill that both supports our farmers and producers, and also protects food security for America's households.

we should listen to our food banks, and to our social service providers that help every single day.

We have to think about, when we are talking about SNAP participants, it is a supplemental program.

I personally believe that that is what is inflammatory.

I hear even from big retailers, like, H.E.B., one of this country's biggest private companies, asking and pushing to protect these basic nutrition benefits.

So, we are not disadvantaging veterans by removing a hurdle for them to have access to affordable food, is that correct?

The answer to the question--though, Ms. Brown, given your specialty and expertise was probably misdirected at you--is 4.3 years.

I would just like to state for the record that the Federal minimum wage continues to be $7.25, and a tip wage worker, it is $2.13.