In order to repopulate rural America and create economic opportunity, it is my judgment that our Department needs to be focused on all aspects of agriculture.

I would expect to continue to see growth, as I indicated, in exports.

I have the utmost confidence, as I know this Committee does as well, that our farmers and ranchers along with the assistance of USDA will be able to meet those challenges.

Why would we do anything given that imperative that would be harmful to the men and women whose job it is to feed this country in a troubled and hungry world.

I also want to congratulate you and commend you for taking this position.

I look forward not only to hearing what our panels have to say today but also to working with you to drive agriculture policy in the 112th Congress.

I had pointed out that a placeholder in the 2008 Farm Bill would result in $1.3 billion additional money going into the Pigford claims.

I applauded you for assigning the increase in the speed limit on our interstates up to 70.

Mr. President, for the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions I report favorably the following nomination list which was printed in the Record on the date indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting…

Mr. President, listening to my friend from Mississippi talk about deficits--and we have to be concerned about deficits. The first thing on which they cannot bargain is pay. That is not something they can bargain on. Generally, Federal…

I just gave him 2 minutes. I did not object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. The time that was given to the other side was due to an error in the chair. The question is on agreeing to the Wicker amendment No. 14, as modified.

Mr. President, I yield myself 5 minutes, if I can. I listened carefully to the statement of my friend, the Senator from Maine. Frankly, I wonder if we are in parallel worlds and we are talking about the same thing but in a different…

I just ask for 30 seconds. I gave him 2 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?

I think that expanded the commerce clause beyond the intentions of the Founding Fathers.

I think there has been a tremendous amount of instructive testimony that has come out from each of you.

I thank the gentleman from Georgia, and I'm very glad to welcome him to the United States Congress. He knows a little bit about what's going on around this organism that we live and work and breathe in. I come to the floor during this…

I yield myself 1 additional minute. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Here is what they can bargain on: grievance procedures-- that helps on morale--nonemergency scheduling--that helps on morale-- awards and recognitions, uniforms, bidding on shifts and procedures used for how they bid on shifts--who gets…