| |
Source: U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.), 5/24/13
This week the Senate continued its work on the Farm Bill. One amendment that was offered by Senator Dianne Feinstein would have been devastating to North Carolina’s farmers. If passed, the Feinstein amendment would have singled out tobacco farmers, and only tobacco farmers, from being eligible to purchase federal crop insurance. This was just another thinly veiled attempt to end the production of a legal product in this country. Tobacco is also the leading tax generating commodity in the agriculture community and one that we export. If the amendment had passed, all we would have done is shipped those jobs overseas and increased imports of foreign tobacco. Fortunately, many of my colleagues agreed with me and the Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 44-52. Click below to watch my remarks.
This week I also had the opportunity to question former IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman, Deputy IRS Commissioner Steven Miller and Treasury Inspector General J. Russell George during an investigative hearing before the Senate Finance Committee. I was disappointed with the lack of transparency and cooperation on the part of Mr. Miller and Mr. Shulman. The First Amendment rights of thousands of Americans were violated by the IRS and the public deserves answers. This is a story that is still developing, and you can be sure that I will continue to press for answers in the Senate’s investigation.
This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer to millions of Americans. As you spend Memorial Day weekend with your family and friends, I ask you to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our nation’s service-members and veterans. These individuals selflessly give themselves to defend our freedoms and we are constantly humbled by their strength and courage. While we may never repay the debt borne by those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, we must never waiver in our commitment to honor their memory by caring for those who continue the fight.
Sincerely,
Richard Burr
|
