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

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

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 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 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.

I encouraged the Administrator to take some time to visit and actually get on the farm and see what is going on in various operations.

I would expect to continue to see growth, as I indicated, in exports.

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.

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.