One of the most significant challenges we face in our National Forests is finding greater common ground among environmentalists, forest industry, and rural communities.

I know Senator Wyden is considering a number of approaches to enact legislation that would codify the work of the stakeholders in this region-specific project.

I support the inclusion of language in proposed legislation that states it will not impact funds from other regions or forests.

These performance goals are ambitious but sustainable and achievable provided there is sufficient funding to allow the Forest Service to prepare and implement stewardship contracts.

I have a deep concern about the cliff that some folks want to create, in terms of the incentives that are currently in place for the biofuel industry.

What are the three top priorities that you have for the year for the Department? And why would those be your three top priorities?

We hope that the Korean Free Trade Agreement's passage will provide momentum for the passage of the other two free trade agreements.

We are very supportive, obviously, and hope to have quick ratification, of the Korean Free Trade Agreement.

I'd like to think it's the latter, Mr. Chairman. But in all seriousness, we at USDA recognize the responsibility because of the people that we work with and represent and work for--the folks in rural America.

Every $1 billion of agriculture sales creates 8,000 to 9,000 jobs.

I think that the food safety proposal that you passed is a very good, significant step forward.

We want it to be done quickly, because, obviously, we risk the possibility of Korea making a deal with Australia and other countries.