Rosa DeLauro

It is imperative, gentlemen and gentleladies, it is imperative that the FDA prioritize this particular program and work as expeditiously as possible to remove toxic heavy metals from baby food.

For too long, we relied on extractive, exploitive form of corporate agriculture. Lots of negative consequences.

The COVID-19 pandemic created the greatest public health and economic crisis in a generation.

I have long been concerned by the declining levels of public funding for agriculture research...

As the world recovers from the pandemic and increases its demand for premium ag products from America, we have an extraordinary opportunity to re-envision the future of ag research and education.

The product of this panel could improve research collaboration transparency, and ultimately as Ag Secretary Vilsack has informed us, shake policy in the next farm bill.

I believe to effectively implement this bold new vision, we need a high level of understanding of how it helps our diverse array of agricultural producers.

Let me be frank, in my view, the Department of Science and Research agencies have had to endure 4 years of assault...

Why are we using the Federal procurement process at USDA to subsidize a foreign corrupt owned meatpacker?

What if you cut it in half? What if you cut it 75 percent? The reality is, that is diet related.

It is a real concerted effort to understand that at the end of the day nutrition is so important.

I am impressed by your focus on hunger and nutrition security.

It also reflects, as Representative Fortenberry suggested, the important role that minority-serving institutions can play of higher education.

The United States should never pursue trade deals at the expense of American farmers, food safety, and jobs.

I have been an outspoken critic during the previous administration when what I view as the corrupt Brazilian meatpacker JBS, they received more than $100 million as part of the Department's so-called trade aid package.

This budget also reflects a desire to do so for communities that have been dealing with persistent poverty for far too long.

I believe that, as long as there is plenty, poverty is evil.

I look forward to working closely with you to advocate for our farmers, our ranchers, and our rural communities.

Swift actions are desperately needed to lift rural America out of the pandemic, especially our small farms and food insecure populations.

Thank you for answering President Biden's call to return to service after having been the longest-serving member of President Obama's Cabinet.

This is one that has to do with climate change, because the climate scientists are saying that the length of the summer weather could increase to half of the calendar year by the end of the century if we don't take measures to combat…

We are moving beyond that now to look at how we might be able to root out systemic barriers that exist in our programs today.

I look forward to hearing more about your plans--exciting plans--to fight hunger, strengthen nutrition security.

I want to thank you both for your leadership in this area and what you have done to really to give FDA the authority, if you will, to deny drugs at the border without the transparency that is required.

I have always been a big supporter of your office and your mission to promote economy, efficiency, and integrity in USDA programs and operations.