Tom Vilsack actually said...

We respect the request, but I would point out that in addition to sequester, Congress also added an additional 2.7 percent cut to this budge...

This is one of those issues that you are confronting where you are trying to balance a variety of needs and requirements.

We feel we are on solid ground. We feel that there is adequate factual and legal basis for us doing this.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has acknowledged the Oak Flat area as a 'special place' that should be protected...