Political Quotes

“Every day small and minority farmers are struggling to survive. They struggle in the field as they try to grow a plentiful crop, they struggle with the ever unpredictable Mother Nature, and they struggle to compete with large farm operations. They have a very tough job, but they provide us, the consumers, with the abundant food supply we take for granted. Historically, when credit is unavailable from private sources, farmers have turned to USDA to finance land, seed, equipment and fertilizer, or for funds to offset disaster losses. USDA direct and guaranteed operating loan programs allow small farmers to be self-sustaining, successful, contributing members of their rural communities. But Mr. President, a little, unknown provision in the 1996 Farm Bill is prohibiting farmers and ranchers from receiving USDA loans if their farm debt has been written off, or forgiven, by the Department in the past for any reason. This provision constitutes a lifetime ban, is more severe than private sector lending policies, and particularly disadvantages small and minority farmers who often have difficulty securing credit. It is a one strike you're out policy and Mr. President, it is simply un-American.”