Today, our country and the Department of Agriculture again face historic challenges.
What I learned from that experience and what I would share with this Committee is that discrimination comes in a variety of forms.
I will work with you. I commit to doing that.
It is important and necessary for the USDA to continue to look for ways to expand income opportunities for farmers.
I think that was an important beginning first step in the process.
I would like to have you take a look at a letter that I sent to the Department NRCS early in December.
Many of us in the Senate have worked hard in years to pass legislation to help restore competition in livestock markets.
He has been around agriculture in the family farm, as mayor of a small town, as a State senator, and as Governor of Iowa.
For a long time on this issue, I have worked with my colleagues Senator Feingold, Senator Harkin, and others.
I think you spoke to this in your opening statement, so that is a pretty strong statement you made.
Iowa agriculture is certainly going to be well represented in both branches of Government.
I am so pleased to see that one of the President-elect's Cabinet nominations is an Iowan, and I want to personally congratulate you.
Our health care system needs to be reoriented toward prevention and wellness.
Our most basic strength as a Nation resides in our ability to produce a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply.
The U.S. Congress overwhelmingly approved the 2008 farm bill.
It is unacceptable and it undercuts our Federal investment in school meals.
It is a great honor and privilege to be nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to lead the Department of Agriculture at this crucial time...
USDA must closely monitor our production sector and ensure that any legislative priorities treat all areas of the country fairly.
