Today, we will hear from USDA about the farm bill programs they administer under the energy and forestry titles.

I want to welcome everyone to today's hearing to audit USDA energy and forestry programs.

As we consider these programs, and to what extent they have fulfilled their purpose, we must be aware that we face a significant challenge in the next farm bill.

We have a responsibility to ensure that our food systems are sustainable and resilient.

We have a lot of work to do as we continue down the road of preparing for this next farm bill.

Our farmers and agriculture in general are not getting the credit they deserve for their extensive efforts in restoring the Chesapeake Bay.

I appreciate what all of you do because obviously to make good decisions you need good data to make sound decisions.

I am proud to say that many parts of my district, the young people are finding great opportunities. They are not leaving now, and frankly, we have a lot of folks moving into the area.

I represent a very rural district, 22 percent of the land mass of Pennsylvania, and in some of the most rural areas of my district interestingly enough is an issue of affordable housing.

The biggest threat to our national security by far would be at whatever point we would rely on a foreign country to provide that for us.

Today we will hear from USDA about the farm bill programs administered under the energy and forestry titles.

Mr. Speaker, this week, three middle schools located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District--Mount Nittany Middle School in State College, Park Forest Middle School in State College, and Titusville Middle School in Titusville--have…

I appreciate your work on that and your reporting back when you raised the issue with the Pakistani leadership.

Mr. Speaker, some may wonder why the nearly $1 trillion in government stimulus spending failed to hold down unemployment or reinvigorate our economy. Phillip Greenspun, owner and operator of a helicopter company in Boston, understands why…

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be withdrawn as a cosponsor of H.R. 1380, the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 212, which was submitted earlier today. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The…

Mr. President, I rise tonight to speak about our policy in Afghanistan. We know the President is about to announce a major decision on the policy. As the President determines the degree and scope of the drawdown in Afghanistan, there will…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the measure be…