Tom Vilsack

I look forward, if I am confirmed, to working with this Committee and with the Congress and with the administration.

I take it very seriously, and I would appreciate the opportunity to have this privilege.

Wellness and prevention have to be at the core.

I care deeply about the people who live in rural communities.

Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated in this Department.

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.

None of us should be satisfied that there are children going to bed hungry.

I would sure like your assurance that will not continue because that is a very vital and needed program.

All producers, and is good for the taxpayers.

The last Iowan asked to serve as Secretary of Agriculture was Henry Wallace. He served with extraordinary distinction during a period of historic challenge.

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

I think that was an important beginning first step in the process.

Today, our country and the Department of Agriculture again face historic challenges.

There is no simple, easy answer or a quick answer to the question you have asked.

It is a great honor and privilege to be nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to lead the Department of Agriculture at this crucial time.

We need to figure out ways and strategies in which we can create some sort of glidepath that basically provides stability in this industry.

I would say that I am not familiar with your farming operation, but if I were you, I would be listening to Chuck Grassley.

I have a lot of confidence in the U.S. Trade Representative designee, Ron Kirk, to understand that.

It is also a reservoir. A lot of people don't realize that our forests basically provide and assist in providing water, clean water to 60 million Americans.

This is a candidate who's been road tested who's been under the microscope for the last 15 years and has withstood that examination. That goes to the issue of electability.

This is a candidate who's been road-tested, who's been under the microscope now for the last 15 years and has withstood that -- that examination. That goes to the issue of electability.

I don't know, it's scrum, maybe, to use a different sports analogy. It's anyone's game.

Even the president's own advisers have lost faith in his ability to set policy.

We won't hear about a record that's been characterized by failure, deception, and an inability to lead.

When I did it, I looked for somebody that would complement my strengths, that would sort of fit into maybe areas that I wasn't as strong.