The subject of today's hearing, a review of Federal food safety systems at the USDA, is vital and it is very, very timely.

I was thinking, as you said that, when we provided the PRTs in Iraq with the funds for a combination of microloans and ultimately what became the $3 a day to The Awakening, we turned the paradigm of the entire conflict, and then our troops…

I think, in the 21st century, Africa is the continent for the United States of America.

It is very important for us to understand what our diplomatic capacity is, and to strengthen it wherever we can.

It is important to get the Africa Bureau and the Mid-East Bureau coordinating on Somalia.

Thank you.

I am extremely concerned with what's happening in Darfur.

I think we've got to invest more in the infrastructure, and, for that matter, the transportation infrastructure, because it is difficult to get around.

Enemies of America are going to use the picture of Chavez smiling and being with the president as proof that Chavez is now legitimate.

The Navy SEALs did exactly the right thing in rescuing the American captain. President Obama did the right thing in allowing the Navy to act.

What concerns me, Secretary Flournoy, is that we have the Iranians, who we know have provided munitions to our enemy in Iraq...

If we should pick up a high-value target in Afghanistan, what would happen to that high-value target? Where would they go?

I am very concerned about the fact we are not moving even fast enough.

I was very pleased to hear you say that right out of the box, you are going to look toward implementation of the farm bill.

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for holding this important hearing to consider the nominations of Joe Leonard, Jr., Kathleen Merrigan, and Jim Miller for key positions with USDA.

I think you are a terrific nominee for a very difficult post, but exactly the right time.

As Senator Gillibrand pointed out, 9.9 million caregivers provide 94 billion hours of uncompensated care per year.

the idea that you would then try to deal with that on a fee-for-service model is utterly irrational.