David Obey: “I significantly disagree with the gentleman who just spoke. I do not think people should be confused by the debate that…”

“I significantly disagree with the gentleman who just spoke. I do not think people should be confused by the debate that is going on with respect to basic farm programs and this appropriation bill. This appropriation bill has very little to do with that debate. I would point out the gentleman from New York [Mr. Schumer] says if we are going to be cutting housing, that we should not exempt agriculture. I would point out that this is the appropriation for rural America, and it does cut housing in rural America as well. Rural America is not being exempted from these reductions. They are not being exempted from the budget squeeze. In fact, one of my concerns about this bill is that I think that in areas such as rural sewer and water and housing, this bill is not adequate enough. That is not the fault of the subcommittee. They tried to do everything they could within the limitations provided to them. I think this committee has done a fairly balanced job under very difficult circumstances in trying to allocate the budget actions.”