Frank Lucas

Again, all of these bills are intended to restore the balance that I believe can exist between sound regulation and a healthy economy.

It is good to note that this Committee heard from top regulators from Japan and the European Union just last December, who warned that without better coordination between the CFTC and international regulators there will be global…

Some of these regulations could make using derivatives so expensive that businesses will be forced to stop using them to hedge against risk.

Farmers, ranchers, financial firms, main street businesses are worried about some of the unintended consequences of Dodd-Frank rules.

We stand to harm significant portions of our economy if these issues are not addressed in legislative fixes.

Unfortunately, the reason we are still talking about the very same issues is because the same concerns still exist with parts of Dodd-Frank.

We have a significant workload ahead of us in this Congress; therefore, we are proposing level funding for the committee for the 113th Congress.

The modest spending and cooperative nature of our committee spans back more than two decades under the control of both parties.

I plan to continue that spirit of cooperation as we proceed with the work of the committee in the 113th Congress.

I am concerned about the long-term impact on the committee to fulfill its responsibilities, as well as being able to retain qualified, experienced staff.

I believe the best way to achieve deficit reduction as related to agriculture is in the context of reauthorizing the farm bill.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for appearing before us today.

Can you update the Committee on what the Forest Service is doing to increase timber sales on Federal forests so that we as U.S. taxpayers quite frankly can start to capitalize on our investments.

We prevent wildfires. We promote healthy forests by timbering, and we promote robust rural economies.

I am not talking about stewardship cuts because those do create local jobs and you can keep some of that money, quite frankly, in the forests for other projects but I am talking about the green timber sales.

I want to hopefully work with you on an issue that a lot of folks are talking to me about back home, and that is school nutrition.

Can you please comment on what USDA is actually doing to allow more flexibility?

I also coach Little League and football, and I know some of these kids are just not getting enough to eat at school.

The sequester is a challenge, and neither Republicans nor Democrats have put forward a plan to replace it that has a chance of getting done.

What really would help us if you and Harry Reid could come up with a number, what it is that is agreed to on what it is you want us to reduce the bill.

It was not balanced and not acceptable.

I am disappointed to see the Administration's comments on meat inspection.

The truth is, the United States is less rural, the Congress reflects that reality, and we must adapt.

While we may not always agree on every topic, you have never been disagreeable, and you are a good friend to American agriculture.

I appreciate the Chairman and the Committee's indulgence.