I think it is a fair statement to say that when I get into office, if I am confirmed, I have a lot to learn and a lot to review.

the President-elect challenges us, as you indicated, to end child hunger by 2015.

We face an economic crisis of historic proportions and ramifications which, I think, will very likely challenge USDA on almost all of its fronts.

The part of the budget devoted to firefighting has gone from 20 to 50 percent, taking away critical resources.

I hope that given all of our support for organic agriculture and for specialty crops and all of that, which I am totally for, that we do not ignore the person who really produces the food and fiber for this country.

We hope that you will work with us that and understand, again, the way that we come together to both recognize and respect one another's diversities.

Our commodity programs are often criticized and seldom praised by those who have neither worked in a field nor whose livelihood depends on the weather.

But to have the administration, the current administration come up with rules that have nothing to do with what our intent was is extremely frustrating.

We are looking for a champion. We are looking for someone who is going to really recognize the hard work, the dedication, the pride that exists in all of our farm families.

I just don't think, again, that we should lose sight of the fact that our farmers and ranchers do produce the food and fiber that now we desperately need worldwide.

I don't want the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times preaching to me anymore about the modest assistance that we provide to our farmers in America.

Iowa agriculture is certainly going to be well represented in both branches of Government.

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.

The position of Secretary is critically important not only to America's agriculture producers but to every U.S. citizen.

USDA must closely monitor our production sector and ensure that any legislative priorities treat all areas of the country fairly.