Dirk Kempthorne: “I make it very clear at the outset what this issue in this particular amendment is not about. It is not about whether…”

Secretary Salazar has challenged the services and bureaus of the Department that are getting dollars to have their projects also reflect an emphasis on renewable energy.

Simply put, we are in a state of emergency. Whether it be low commodity prices, lack of export markets or too many government restrictions, farmers are facing catastrophes from every angle. If we are truly going to take steps to fix this…

They are, as Wallace Stegner famously said, America's best idea.

As my distinguished colleague points out, the original provision was limited, focusing on increased efficiency and, wherever appropriate, information coordination. Congress did not intend to authorize a provision that created a sweeping…