Tom Vilsack

I think it behooves us to really look at a solution as quickly as possible so that we have the best chance of stabilizing and broadening the price band.

I think trade agreements, both bilateral and multilateral, are extremely important, as well as breaking down barriers.

What we are trying to do is say rather than constantly litigating, maybe we can have a conversation and figure out ways in which we can at least find where the common ground exists.

I look forward to making a strong effort in the Korea Free Trade Agreement which I hope will be before this body very soon.

My hope is that the Korean free trade agreement is submitted as soon as possible.

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.

A major emphasis has got to be on reducing the barriers that exist to many of our products, specifically beef in China, Japan, Taiwan.

the offer didn't fit what she needs, what she wants, and what she deserved.

It should have been done with far more thought and it should have been done in far less haste. And all of those are my responsibility. And I accept that responsibility.

When I saw the statements and the context of the statements, it -- it -- I determined that it would make it difficult for her to do her job as a rural development director.

I addressed that yesterday.

When I saw the statements and the context of the statements, it -- it -- I determined that it would make it difficult for her to do her job as a rural development director.

This is a good woman. She has been put through hell. And I could have done and should have done a better job. I want to learn from that experience. I want the agency and department to learn from that experience. And I want us to be…

There is zero tolerance for discrimination at USDA.

I didn't speak to anyone at the White House. I didn't speak to anybody at the White House.

There is zero tolerance for discrimination in USDA and I strongly condemn any acts of discrimination against any person.

I absolutely agree with you, and it is one of the great frustrations.

We are working very hard to try to create a good deal of momentum behind a trade agenda...

There is always conversation in this country about trade deficits. It is often not appreciated or recognized that in agriculture, we have a surplus.

I think it is important to recognize that and to thank you for it.

I authored the Ag Disaster Trust Fund in the Farm Bill, and I am very happy that it is there.

I have just become a very convinced and avid believer that this is an issue that we can take on, that we should take on.

I would like to express my appreciation to Senators Udall and Risch for their leadership in addressing insect and disease issues.