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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

I am pleased to submit for printing, pursuant to rule XI, clause 2(a) of the Rules of the House, a copy of the Rules of the Committee on Agriculture, which were adopted at the organizational meeting of the Committee on January 23, 2013…

I appreciate the Chairman holding this timely and important hearing to examine the real challenges that are facing both the U.S. and international regulators.

I appreciate the Chairman and the Committee's indulgence.

This is an important subject matter and something on which we all need to focus.

I withdraw my reservation, and rise in opposition. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Denham). The reservation is withdrawn. The gentleman from Oklahoma is recognized for 5 minutes.

I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), one of the most experienced and knowledgeable members of the Ag Committee. (Mr. GOODLATTE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

I reserve a point of order. The SPEAKER pro tempore. A point of order is reserved. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa) is recognized for 5 minutes in support of his motion.