I know all of us in both parties realize and are motivated by this tremendous responsibility.

I look forward to starting that process with our Members and with you, Mr. Secretary.

I think it is going to be important for us as we look forward to try to develop what is called a circular economy, in which the wealth is created and stays in rural areas.

In terms of what Congress can do, obviously one thing you can do is to have a budget.

As a supporter of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), I am growing concerned about Mexico's failure to honor its commitments regarding the treatment of agricultural biotechnology products.

I think we are all part of a great farm team, and when we are working together, every American family benefits, and the rural economy benefits.

The U.S. Federal Government has much to learn from the indigenous peoples of this land.

Unfortunately for consumers and rural communities, the biofuels industry recently lost a court case which re-established an arbitrary EPA restriction on selling E15 during the summer months.

We need greater certainty and supply chain resiliency for both producers and consumers.

Unfortunately though, I am concerned that actions and statements by the Administration in regard to cutting blended biofuels, retroactively lowering Renewable Volume Obligations, and heavily subsidizing electric vehicles over biofuels that…

USDA continues to work closely with USTR staff to consider all options available to ensure U.S. rice and wheat industries can compete in a fair, rules-based international trade environment.

Climate change creates an opportunity for us.

Well thank you, and I look forward to working with you.

I will certainly continue to be an advocate for U.S. farmers and ranchers and maximizing the health and profitability of their industries.

Customized assistance to these operations is needed now to help them identify opportunities to diversify products and markets, improve efficiency, and sustain their operations.

In May 2021, I led 49 other Democratic Members of Congress in signing a letter calling for USDA to dedicate $300 million in relief funding for one on one business technical assistance for farms and food businesses.

We at USDA are focused on trying to insert and encourage that type of circular economy to be more prevalent in rural areas across the United States.

The pig's heart that Representative Hartzler mentioned that was going into a human being was somewhat genetically modified.

There is an opportunity to work together. I believe that wholeheartedly.

We applaud this announcement as a critical step in helping marginalized producers and entrepreneurs better access USDA programming.

Our producers have spent decades showing the world that they are the answer to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, and they are not the problem.

Last week, I authored a letter with Representative Crawford and 26 of our colleagues, urging you and Ambassador Tai to take action to reverse the trend of non-compliance by India.

I just think that we think that the USDA needs to take a lead in developing a regulatory framework for animal biotechnology.

This has been a really interesting conversation on a very, very important topic.

I think I speak for all of us on this panel: I go home; I am still trying to convince people to make sure they get the vaccine.