I have heard from a number of my food banks around my State about the increase for demand of items in the respective food banks.

The fact that the SNAP program can swiftly serve those in need highlights one of the program's key features.

I find it... troublesome that when the report was issued yesterday that over a million children every day are faced with low food security.

It is important that Congress reexamine them on a regular basis to make sure they are as effective as possible in serving Americans in need of nutrition assistance.

It is a significant concern to all of our livestock producers and the implementation process is not going to be easy, but I am sure you are up to that challenge.

Well thank you very much, Madam Chairman, and boy, it has a great ring to it, Madam Chairman.

Her leadership is going to pick up right where you left off, Tom, and we are not going to miss a beat.

Madam Chairman, thank you for holding this important hearing and to consider these nominations pending before the Ag Committee.

we have always had a bipartisan committee that is going to get even stronger as we go through the final implementation of the current Farm Bill

I appreciate those kind comments. It has been a real pleasure to work with you, Tom.

I think we would be a little remiss if on this side we did not recognize the great work that the staff of Senator Harkin has done.

I would simply ask that when this does hit your desk, and it will be there the day you are sworn in, that you give immediate attention to that and work very closely with the Department of Interior to let us see if we cannot provide some…