Friday, January 25, 2008
Statement Of Sen. Harkin At The Nomination Hearing Of Edward T. Schafer
This afternoon the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry meets for a hearing on the nomination of Edward T. Schafer, former Governor of North Dakota for Secretary of Agriculture. Welcome to the Committee, Governor Schafer. I also want to recognize and welcome your wife, Nancy, and your daughter, Kari, as well as the good number of North Dakotans who are here with us this afternoon.
It is a fact, too seldom fully appreciated, that the responsibilities of the Secretary of Agriculture touch the lives of all Americans and millions of others around the world on a daily basis. Each and every one of us depends on our food and agriculture system and has a vital interest in the wide range of activities at the Department of Agriculture.
In my state of Iowa, strong, forward-looking leadership at the Department of Agriculture is critically important. Agriculture is the cornerstone of our economy, and we treasure our way of life in small towns and rural communities. We understand the true value of our soil, water and other natural resources, and we are committed to conserving and even improving them for future generations. We are optimistic about our growing role in producing energy and biobased products for our nation.
So it is encouraging, Governor Schafer, that you also come from a state with a similar deep connection and appreciation for agriculture and rural communities. I commend you for the pride you take and the inspiration you draw from your family’s heritage in agriculture and rural communities. Your experience as governor of North Dakota should serve you well as Secretary of Agriculture.
Among your key responsibilities is faithfully carrying out the laws that Congress writes and the President signs. Currently, we face a big challenge in completing a new farm bill for you to implement. The Senate and the House of Representatives have each passed versions of a new farm bill. Both bills have significant improvements and reforms to benefit agriculture, rural communities and our nation as a whole. In our Senate bill we continue and improve a solid farm income protection system, and we make critical new investments to conserve our resources, promote rural energy initiatives, alleviate hunger and malnutrition, and boost the economy and quality of life in rural communities.
Unfortunately, we do not yet have the support of the President for funding the critical, forward-looking investments crafted by the Agriculture Committees and approved by the House and the Senate. We have a good deal of hard work and negotiation with the White House ahead of us on the new farm bill. Yet I am hopeful that we can approach this challenge reasonably and cooperate to reach agreements. Governor Schafer, we look forward to working with you, and we are counting on your help in working out differences in order to enact a sound new farm bill for our nation.
