Transcripts For CSPAN2 Sonny Perdue Answers Questions About Trade And Threats To Food Security 20170325

Good morning, members of the committee. I call this meeting of the Senate Committee on agriculture, nutrition and forestry to order. This morning we welcome governor sunny perdue. The president s nominee for u. S. Secretary of agriculture. Members of this committee have great appreciation for the farmers, ranchers and consumers and other stakeholders that are directly affected by decisions made by the secretary. The department of agriculture is made up of 29 agencies and offices. It employs nearly 100,000 men and women that work in all 50 states and around the globe. The department provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, Rural Development, nutrition, Scientific Research and related issues that impact americans virtually every day. Throughout our nations history, our farmers, ranchers and phones in Rural America survived drought, disease, floods, tornadoes, and lately, yes, lately, prairie fires in kansas, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at them. Year after year they produce the savest, morse abundant foot and fiber supply in the world. However, today growers from across the country are facing tough Economic Times with multiple years of low prices. These same producers need a strong market for their goods. During the critical time the importance of trade for agriculture industry cannot be overstated. And if that was not enough, over the last previous years, farmers and ranchers and Rural Businesses have been burdened be regulations from agency all across the federal government. I have heard time and time again as well as many members of the committee, about the costly and hard to understand regulations that endanger the ability to producer to stay in business. This committee will continue its efforts to make government a partner in their success, not an adversary. And this committee has a lot of work to do over the next two years, including the reauthorization of the farm bill. We intend to do that work in the bipartisan fashion that has served is so well in the past. And this respect want to permanently thank the distinguished Ranking Member and former chair person of this committee, the senator from michigan. Now, more than ever, agriculture needs a voice and advocate the highest levels of government. And Governor Perdue has been nominated to serve in exactly that role. He is from georgia and has spent his entire entire life in and around agriculture. Race raised on a farm and a practices veterinarian before returning to his home county to work in the grain business. He was elected serve in local and state government, including two terms as governor of georgia. While serving farmer throughout the south egained first hander and yes with the come mixty of transportation and Global Commodities market. Governor, the senates role of advise and consent is an important responsibility. And today is a key step in that process. We look forward to hearing your testimony and to asking you questions about how you view the role of agriculture secretary, should you be confirmed. In addition to the governor i would also like to welcome and recognize his wife, mary, his four children, and their spouses, and his 14 grandchildren. The governor is also joined by so many of his friends and former staff from georgia we cant count them. We welcome you although commit all to the committee and im especially glad to have our former ag Committee Chairman and senator from georgia, the honorable Saxby Chambliss and georgia congressman david scott, who serves on the House Agricultural Committee pardon me the sometimes powerful housing Agriculture Committee to provide introduction of the nominee and i see congressman Sanford Bishop here in the audience to support the nominee as well. Its good to see you again. But before we hear from senator chambliss and congressman scott i want to turn things over to senator stabenow for any remarks the distinguished Ranking Member would like to make. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Its great to be with you today as were moving forward on this very important position, and welcome, Governor Perdue, and pretty impressive that you have some beautiful grandchildren as well as children and family members and we know that youre proud of your grandpa and we are happen to have you all here today. And to my friend, senator chambliss, we are worked on 0 lot of farm bills together and thank you for your service as chair and somebody advocating for georgia. And representative scott, welcome as well. We have a lot of Work Together with our colleagues in the house to get the next farm bill done so we look forward to doing that. Its clear that agriculture and Rural America need to have a seat the table. We always do. But its clear that we need to make sure that is happening with this administration. Looking back at our history, our president s knew that farmerred were the foundation of the country. Thats why president lincoln called this the Peoples Department because he understood that agriculture is a cornerstone of our economy and that the department has special relationship with the people it served. Americas farmers and ranchers grow the saveest affordable speed nye in world. Food security is national security. Because having a food secure nation makes our country safe. Our food and Agriculture Sector supports 16 million american jobs. Its usdas job to make sure we can grow things in every state and that means celebrating the do is verity of american agriculture al west. Michigan is the second most diverse agricultural state in the country. And its important that usda is a voice for michigan farmer as well as kansas and georgia and all of those across our country. Large and small. Conventional and organic. Those who sell overseas, those who sell to their neighbors. We need a voice for all of our farmers. An agriculture secretary need to look beyond regional devices and partisan pressure and support saul family in rural committees and we need an advocate to stand up for them with this administration. Usda helps a farmer weather storms storms storms and save communities from wildfire in the west and make sure children have healthy food to grow. Too many rural towns are struggling to recover from the great recession. Over the past eight years, usda has made targeted investments in rural economies and now were beginning to see the communities on the road to recovery. But we need to make sure these important Investments Continue so we can keep moving forward. Unfortunately, during the two month of that argues in its clear that Rural America has been an afterthought. Even before President Trump took office he sent a message by waiting until the last minute to name his pick for agricultural secretary. Last weeks Budget Proposal has made it clear that Rural America is not a top priority for this administration. Their proposal cuts usda funding by 21 . The Third Largest cut to any federal agency. And in addition to eliminated critical Rural Development and International Food aid programs, the administration has put a target on hundreds of critical programs that go through the appropriations process. And in fact, under the budget important resources for farmers and families are facing cuts average 33 00 . We averaging 33 . We need a secretary of cultural that will advocate for the Important Services usda provides and rural families and farmer need. We need strong voice continue zest the president listen to the 500 groups saying that agriculture, conservation, Food Assistance and other farm bill programs should not be cut further after a agreeing to a 23 billion cut in the last farm bill. We need someone who will partner closely with congress, especially as we put together the next farm bill and look at other key issues like immigration and trade, that have a tremendous impact on farmers and rural communities. And in the 2014 farm bill we made bipartisan reforms that saved taxpayers billions and protected the integrate of the farm and Family Safety net. The congressal Budget Office recently estimated that the current farm bill, if we did no changes, would save 80 billion more than initial i projected in the next ten years. Largely driven by Crop Insurance costs going down, and reduced spending on Food Assistance. As the economy has improved. And n this congress well be working hard to move another bipartisan farm bill. Im excited for this challenge, mr. Chairman. With the u. S. Sda leadership and our stakeholders i know we can get it done. We have worked together before on the comprehensive bill. Well do it again for the communities that we represent and the entire country. Especially during the times of low prices for agriculture and uncertainty around the budget, trade and immigration, we need the next secretary to be an unapologetic advocate for all of Rural America. We need someone who will be tenacious, much like a georgian bulldog. Governor perdue, we need a champion. And i know you know that. Right now more than ever. Today i look forward to learning more about your views and qualifications to lead one of the most important departments in our federal government. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I thank the senator from michigan. It is my privilege and pleasure now to recognize the distinguished former member of this committee and chairman of this committee, our colleague, our friend, the honorable Saxby Chambliss. Were chairman, Ranking Member stabenow, distinguished members of the committee, im honored to be before you today and im humble to be on this side of the die dias and glad to be here but im particular live pleased and hoards to be here tied to introduce my good friend, governor george irvin sunny perdue, President Trumps nominee for the next secretary of agriculture. Spend 12 of the west year of my life here and when people ask me what do i miss im quick to respond i miss the good friends it made in congress and members of this committee are right the top of the list of those best friends on both sides of the aisle and im pleased be here. When is was sworn in as a new member of house hover representatives in january of 1959, i was given the next to the last seat on that committee, which was made up of more than 50 members. The chairman of the committee was was the gentleman from kansas, mr. Roberts. Mr. Chairman youre oonly person in the highlight of our country to chair both committees and im going to steal your phrase because ive heard youve say so it often, that sometimes powerful ag committee but youre to be congratulated from having the honor of theyring chairing both commit e. Governor sunny perdue is no stranger to agriculture. He agree graduated from vetter in school the university of georgia and after tour in the air force, return to georgia to be actively engaged in crop farming as well as in the operation of various successful Grain Elevator business. When if was elected congress, sunny was a constituent of mine. It was by that time in his life a member of the Georgia State senate. Now, the county is the home of Robbins Air Force base so sun request and i shared the interest of defense and agriculture in our respective positions and we began a dialogue that has lasted to this day. In 2002 sunny decided to run for governor of georgia and i decided to run for the United States senate. Needly to say we spent indianaless to say weapon spent mary hours come campaigning and when we eat a lot of Fried Chicken and barbecue and ride a bus with somebody for a long period of time you get to know them and i got to know sunny well. That november sunny was elected as the first republican governor in our state, in 130 years. Sunny has been a leader in everything he has been involved in doing. As a farmer he was a leader in the field of agribusiness in our state. As a member of the state senate he whereas elected by his peers to be the president pro tem of the senate. And as governor, he was the chairman of the republican governors association. When he was elected governor, sunny died what good leaders do and that is to surround himself with good people. He went out and found a very experienced ceo and a very experienced cfo. He also improved the states leadership by implementing a merit the found we best qualified people to unour state agencies irrespective of political affiliation of those individuals. He committed to make georgia the best managed state in the nation, and he received Significant National wreck mission recognitioning for the accomplishment. He create the first state Accounting Office to focus on timely ms. And usefulness of financial action. Technology and purchasing systems the state level were antiquated. Under sunnys leadership those system were updated and the state purchasing system that received many awards for efficientty and accountability. A new state data center was established and much of the appropriate technology was outsourced in order to stay current and technology cli state of the art. Now, we all know that technology at usda today is way behind the curve, its inefficient and it is not farmerfriendly. This will be a challenge to sunny but i am very confident he will bell up will be up to tt challenge. His initiative was the Customer Service folk tuesday to treat citizens of our state as customers. And to create services for them that were faster, friendliyer and easier. That initiative significantly reduced the time and improved Customer Experience in regular from getting a drivers license to getting a tax refund. Itsles produced a cultural change, as state moneyees bought into this anywhere employees bought into the initiative. Such an itself at usda would be a vast improvement in the relationship with washington and its larger customers also usda, farmers and ranchers. This kind of executive experience and leadership combined with sunnies financial of usda practices make him suited to be the next secretary of agriculture. I thank you very much. Thank you, senator chambliss for an excellent statement in behalf of the governor. Its mr. Personal pleasure and previous to introduce, congressman david scott. David, were delighted to have you here in the upper body. We wont go any further than that. Please proceed, sir. Chairman roberts, thank you for that. But i do want to make one slight correction. When you said that our house agriculture was sometimes influential and powerful, may we add an addendum to that so it will go out that the house Agriculture Committee has always been and will always be powerful and influential. I appreciate that correction. Just was only one chairman that had the tenure when it was sometimes powerful. My friend, i will certainly take that in consideration. Chairman roberts im greatly honored and very thankful to have this opportunity to come and stand with my dear friend, my longtime friend, sunny perdue. I wanted to just take a few minutes to share with you some things about sunny that you need to know. My good friend, senator Saxby Chambliss shared with you his immense qualifications. His education, the fact that he went to the university of georgias veterinarian school. But im here to explain to you why sunny perdue is indeed the right person the right time to do the absolute best job, the talents that i have shared and have witnessed with him, in coming up through Georgia State senate. You see, Committee Members, i was chairman of the Senate Rules Committee in georgia for ten years, first africanamerican to get that position mitchell good friend, sunny perdue, was the president pro tem of the senate. Now, im not saying that to shake a bell on our credentials here, but i think that if you put that in the context of the Georgia Legislature, and i assure you, that Georgia Legislature was one of the most exciting places to be every 40 days that went on for almost 80 days. Now, sunny and i had to meet every single day to Work Together, to set the agenda to determine what bills got on to the floor, in the house and the senate. Sometimes night after night. And when we did that, we had to also sit with the governor, and the speaker, and you talk about fireworks. There were plenty in that Georgia Legislature. What you get to understand a persons temperment when youre on the battlefield with them. Their courage, theyre does their decisiveness and sun where per do you was sunny perdue was just such a person. On all major pieces of legislation that affect it every georgian of every stripe, of every condition, sunny perdue had a very integral part of that. And so i want to take just a few minutes, if if may if i may pause what is important to me is to make sure that my friend, sunny perdue, becomes the secretary of agriculture very quickly and that he comes with his record unblemished. That is why i wanted you to know the outset, ladies and gentlemen, sunny perdue worked into the midnight hours night after night. You get to know a person. We and i were like brothers, and i am grateful for that relationship. I want to take just a minute, though, to address an issue that i dont know may or may not come up but i think i will be derelict in my duty if i did not set the record straight on the confederate battle flag business. That has been in the air. I want to make sure that when you measure sunny perdue on that issue as well as all issues, that you measure sunny perdue right. Now, let me just give the committee and the nation just a preview and a setting. First of all, sunny perdue and i came along at a very significant time, when georgia made one of its most hysteric moments in changing the confederate battle flag emblem from our state flag. It took time and it took experience, it took talent, and it also took Committee Members, gods providence, his divine intervention at a very critical need when we needed it lowes and because of leadership at that time there were three governors. You cant just tell the story with just one governor. This has been an ongoing process, and it took education, it took commitment, but the people of georgia, black and white, rose to that occasion. I want to just state that the first governor that had the courage to step forward to change that confederate battlefield, vel and he paid the price for that. But its very important to know that it was the white leadership in georgia that stepped forward to lead that fight, took great risk to do so. Then there was the second governor. Governor roy barnes. And as i said, god puts the right people in the right place the right time. And governor roy barnes, one of most courageous governors, a man of sterling strength, chose to do it, and he put forward the new flag. And he, too, let me tell you something, Committee Members, many of those senators, state senators, and state representatives, when they stood up to vote for that, many knew that they were not coming back because they were defeated. We have to measure people correctly. And they built on the foundation that each one laid, and then came sunny perdue. The flag issue was in his lap. It was on everybodys mind. So when you judge a person you have to judge them based on the circumstances he whereas placed in. Sunny purdue let it be known, when he was elected governor, he put forward a referendum. It was a tremendous campaign. Governor roy barnes lost the governorship for that. Many members of the house and the senate lost their positions for that. And they deserve to be pointed out, respected, for that. They paid the price. And when it came time, as sunny was elected, he promised a referendum because the people of georgia, it was their decision to make. But you talk about brilliance. You talk about achievement in a tough area, sunny perdue negotiated the compromise, and put together the referendum, and gave the people a choice, and he put governor barnes flag there, which had a small emblem of the confederate battle flag on there, and then governor sunny perdue did atremendously smart thing. He got an agreement on another flag that did not have the battle flag emblem on it. And he put that flag there with Georgia State seal, and he said, people of georgia, choose which one, and you know what chairman and Committee Members . The people of georgia chose the one flag that sunny perdue provided the leadership that did not have the Small Confederate flag that roy barnes had. And we didnt get to that point easily. But it was a great moment for the white and black people of georgia, and it could not have happened if we didnt have a person with a levelheadedness. With the brilliance and the tactical maneuvering, the willingness to sit together, democrats can republicans, urban and rural, together, to solve that and let the people solve it. I often refer to that experience, chairman and Committee Members, i call to your reference three people. God chose three people. To get us through this. Jacob, which was miller, miller had to good up and wrestle with this issue. And then came our moses. Roy barnes. Who provided the leadership right to it. But then we had our joshua, that got us on across the jordan river. With that, mr. Chairman, i recognize i urge you with all speed and urgency, to please confirm my good friend, a great georgian and a good american, a great american, who will make one of the best secretaries of agriculture this nation has had. Sunny perdue. Thank you. Congressman, thank you for that very inspiring endorsement. I think every member here, if they would like to be endorsed for anything, would welcome you to do that. That was very special. And i appreciate it very much. Governor. Mr. Chairman im sorry. Oh, pardon me. Senator perdue would like to have the opportunity to endorse Governor Perdue. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I promise to be brief. As its been you take all the time you want. You were waving your armitage and it couldnt see you over there. I just want to make a brief statement. As its been state, governor purdue and i are first cousins. We grew up together and have a strong family. I know this man all my life and i can think of no one in the United States more qualified to be the next secretary of agriculture. Represent riff st. , juror would called it to be strong and courageous. Know this man to be both strong and courageous. Today he is going to answer all our questions and the only thing i can say him to is, good luck, cuz. Governor perdue, would you please rise and raid your right hand, please, sir. First do you swear the tim youre about to present is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so happen you god . I do. Second, do you agree that if confirmed you will appear before any duly constituted committee of congress if asked to appear. Yes, sir, i will. Thank you. Please proceed now with youre your testimony, governor. Mr. Chairman, good morning. Chairman roberts and Ranking Member stabenow, and the distinguished members of the committee. Its an honor to be with all of your here today a the president s nominee to serve as the nations 31st secretary of agriculture. I want to thank both of my good friends and fellow georgians, Saxby Chambliss and david scott for their words on encourage. And inspiration to me and i want to thank my good friend, sanford wish for being here this morning also. And now from visiting with many of you in your offices there were some anxiety over whether there bee a secretary of agriculture nominee and i must say with all the humility i can muster think the president saved the best for last. I lied too time to meet individually with me and i hope and trust that our meetings will not just be introductory episodes but ongoing opportunity to listen and to learn from one another. My goal today is to answer your questions transparently. Youve and to your satisfaction not only to earn your affirmative vote but your trust, and if you will afford me the opportunity i will carry out of this often job with integrity, complicit with the laws 0 congress and with the campt passion of the golden compassion of the golden rule. Id like to produce my family members. Im accompanied by my lovely wife, mary, i had 0 no idea when i married her 44 years ago she would be such prolific grandmother, as you can see, seated with mary are our four children and 14 grandchildren, and who are more familiar with my being called big buddy rather than any fancy other titles. Also pleased and frankly humbled after seven years to have more than 30 of my former coworkers were labored sidebyside with my while serving the state of georgia and its people. Governor, could you pardon this interruption. Wed like for your family and coworker to stan. Please. Thank you all for being here. [applause] good looking crowd if i say so myself. You read my bioand poured of my personal and professional history but id like to tell you a little bit about myself. As a youngster greg up on a dairy farm and a diversified row crop farm in georgia i never realized the blessings of purposeful meaningful work would serve me as well as they have. When i was a young boy feeding calfs and plowing plowing the fi was part of the work force there on the familys tomorrow. [shouting] my mother was english teacher governor, if would you wouldt cease for a moment and well take care of this problem. [captioning will resume shortly] please proceed. My mother was a at aeningening lesch teach for 42 years so i benefited from her teaching as well, not just by raising me with a belief that i hold dare to me heart evidence to but being an english teach sher if made shoe i knew about dangle are participles. I a had a blessed upbrianing favorite hob wheres were playing little legal baseball, training bird dogs and riding my horse, trigger. Was determined and goaloriented early on. I set my heart on becoming a veterinarian, influenced by doctor dave dr. Davis who cared for four herd. Enrolled in the university of georgia and played football for the bulldogs, employ is not the operative word bud i was on the team. Realizing my future was not on the football field i applied myself to my studied. As i entered Veterinary School in 1967, you may remember vietnam wag roiling so i reaped up of anmer commissioning program in the United States air force. As i finished mid veterinary occasion in 1971 i was assigned to Columbus Ohio as base veterinarian whose primary responsibilities wore food safety, Public Health and sanitation. Lets as i complete mid active diet duty commitment i joined a small animal Veterinary Practice in raleigh, north carolina. Soon realized i missed our farm anding a actual curl way of life so in 1976, mary and i and our two small girls moved back home where i partnered with my brohm to build a Grain Elevator. Sadly and i braun and law passed away after only three years the age of 43. Ive been in agribusiness since 1977. The founder and operator of three agribusiness and three transportation firms. Farming and farmers have been my life ever since. Ive lived and breathed the the exhilaration of a great crop and devastation of a drought. Hi father told me if you take care of the land. It willing take care of you. Thats fast forward to what youre probably more interested. My years as a Public Servant and i want to be clear, growing up i was not one of those young men, young boy who shook a president s hand the age of 16 and aspired to run for service. I was tuned into current vents but no interest in elected politics. I did understand we all have civic grants grants to ai agreeo chair the local planning and zoning commission. After ten years of that service, a state senate became open and i was asked to run for that seat. I initially declined burt after a preplanned Family Vacation to williamsburg, virginiaunder changed my mine after seeing the demonstration of citizen engage in 1990 the people of district 18 elected know serve as a member of hoe Georgia State senate and served there for 11 years and was elected by any colleagues as congressman scott said to be president pro tem. The pinnacle of leadership from 1996 to 1998. I everyday both as a democrat and a up in the Georgia State senate. In 2002 i was elected the first republican governor of georgia in more than 130 years, senator chambliss said and i assumed the office believing it was a big job, not just a position. Our team worked del gently for eight years striving to make georgia the best managed state in the nation. The period of time for 2002 to 2011 were not the best comment times in our nation but we lender with the hope of a joyful state work force we could provide value to citizens of georgia even in times of extreme budget pressures. Even though georgia may not compare to some states, in some Agricultural Sectors, im proud to say i come from a state whose number one economic driver is agriculture. In georgia agriculture is one area where democrats and republicans consistently Work Together. Im pleased to know that reaching across the aisle is common practice in this committee where partisanship does not get in the way of Good Solutions for americas farmersing ranchers and consumers. If confirmed, as the secretary of can go culture, agriculture i look forward to working with all of you. The makeup of the committee speaks of the size and reach of diversity of the sector and includes one guy i picked watermelons with in my youth. I have lifetime of experience in farming and agribusiness. Appreciate that the department of agriculture touch the lives americans in many ways beyond just farming itself. Including and very small way improving the lives of the least of these. To continue that role with i will work tirelessly i to advance four primary goals in each of these guiles is focused on ann important constituency. Stakeholder odd american. First i will maximize the opportunity and an of the men and women of americas agriculture and agribusiness sector to create jobs to approves and sell the food and the fiber that feed and clothe the world. And to reap the earned reward of their labor. Remove every obstacle and give them eave opportunity to prosper. Secondly for the american taxpayers our customeres i will prioritize Customer Service. They expect and have every right to demand we conduct the peoples business efficiently, effectively and the jut most interesting by. This as our taxpayers are our consumes they expect to save a safe and secure food supply and usda will serve in that critical roll of enshiring the food we put on then table meets the strict Safety Standards to which we have established in and acomed. Were the accustom it. We are the fortunate beneficiary of past generations who it premium on smart tiredship, protecting and preserving and entrusting us with the resources. The american bounty comes from the land and the Land Resources sustain more than 320 million americans and countless millions more around the globe. Mr. Chairman, thank you for your time this morning and rest assured that if confirmed i look forward to working with the dedicated men and women of the usda who are committed to serving the Peoples Department. Some i look forward to answers your questions. Thank you very much. At this time, before we begin questioning, senator chambliss and congressman scott, if you would like to excuse yourself, why, please do so. [inaudible] governor, ill begin by saying that our farmers and ranchers depend on strong trade relationships around the world. Expanding Market Access and ensuring producers have a level Playing Field is absolutely critical to our rural economy. The u. S. A. Department offing a call few and the office of u. S. Trade representative have a rate of working hand in hand to make sure that u. S. Agriculture has an influential seat the trade table. As this Administration Takes shape i have been concerned that there may be too many cooks in kitchen when it comes to trade and be want to make sure they are familiar with a main ingredients. And in addition to the odd usda the president established a new trade council the white house of increased trade responsibilities under the department of commerce. The question is, what is the best way that the department of agriculture can continue and strengthen its involvement and establishing strong trade policies. How can we best work with the u. S. Trade representative, the lead trade negotiator and other officials through the executive to make sure that agriculture is a top and i mean top, priority. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Youre absolutely correct and i think as senator stabenow mentioned, agriculture need a strong advocate, tenacious advocate regarding a top issue. Were blessed in this nation to be able to produce more than we can consume and were grateful for that but that imply wes need sell the bounty all around the world, and youre correct, the relationship between the usda and its trade representatives as well as the ustr and second ross and the commerce will be vital. Those begin with relationships, i think personal relationships. Ive had conversations already in this standing time awaiting confirmation to discuss with mr. Lighthouser and ross to use the bounty of american agriculture to promote agricultural protects and sell the products around the world. Building good will and doing the moral aspect of helping to feed the world. I thank you for your response. Governor, let me advise all members of the committee well have a second round. Know members have other things and other responsibilities, and another committees are meeting but we will have a second round. In preparation for the 2018 farm bill, this year the committee has already started our process of listening to farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders. Before we write any farm bill the Committee Examines the program and asked what is working and not working. We will continue the listening and learning process over the weeks and months to come as we craft the next farm bill and we greatly appreciate your commitment of the departments resources to assist the committee doing the process. Can we expert support regarding our efforts on behalf of americas farmers and ranchers . Mr. Chairman, i look forward with great interest to be involved with yall as you look to deliberate and create the 2018 farm bill. I will absolutely commit to you, if confirmed texas resources and research of the Us Department of agriculture to provide you the information you need to make good decisions. I value my own self as governor and being a facts based data drink decisionmaker and i think its important that we take the faction as things hafted worked learn from the things that have not worked and create a farm bill for the future in 2018. Know that you and Ranking Member are on the job and doing that in your respectsive states and listening to producers in the country and consumers. So, i will absolutely commit to you that you will have access to resources of the department of agriculture and anything that you believe you need to the depth you need if im allowed to be secretary, to utilize those resources. Theres great talent over there. We know that the men and women of the usda have a great wealth of knowledge. The career employees have been doing this for use theres a great opportunity to learn from them as well as our producers and see the 2018 farm bill as an opportunity to meld the wisdom of career people and with what you all hear in your districts to make sure that there are 2018 farm bill metes the needs meets the need odd producers and consumer thursday american taxpayers in 2018. Who has responsibilities to the Supreme Court nominee laugh laugh you are recognized and with the department of agriculture feeds those hungry and malnourished here and abroad with innovation and research , the crisis with clementine judge with the doubling of acres of course, you know that problem in georgia is left unchecked two out of every 3 that we appropriate for the Forest Service we spent on fire programs. That is also loss of life last year there was a resident killed while battling a fire in nevada so we have to work on this. I would commend to you Agriculture Department employees deserve your support there was a time when they wonder what is happening with the cutbacks you should spend time with them. Dairy farmers are desperate for a new farm bill. With those Risk Management options Dairy Farmers are left behind the lead at the cotton farmers who are given generous payments in the Cost Sharing Program i think we have to help the Dairy Farmers. And i hope we have the direct support pet and negative outside of the up the bar bill i recommend for the usda next four bill pillion work on proportional and Media Support for the Dairy Farmers . I will commit as the son of a dairy farmer and myself i understand the hard work seven days a week 365 days a year particularly the small farm families and those in your area of their family operations they dont take a break to understand the profitability and put under dress. One of the problems that they face so to a temporary Agriculture Program that allows for the seasonal farmworkers. The senate had passed Immigration Reform the barely that would violate a seat a sacred rule. One and so i asked you to support to include those daily Dairy Farmers. To say ill be back in six months to build queue again. That does not work very well. So sheep and goat herders have that exception. Will you work with us to find a way to add the dairy farm workers in the same way that there are a goat and sheep . With your confirmation of this that i will commit certainly i would buy said kelso did ministrations for the need of the Agricultural Program for the workers that is year round issue have indicated. Cows cannot be milked have been paid 365 days three year eye of very well aware of that. There is a need many dairy workers are immigrant workers i do believe that qualifies for that as well. The senator from michigan also will come again governor we are glad to hear this hearing we need to move forward to understand for urged the agriculture it is an Important Mission of the agency. And you and i have talked about this growing up with a dairy farm to understand the challenges looking at the last farm bill to understand the Crop Insurance. Especially crops but Dairy Farmers cannot qualify for Crop Insurance the yesterday three National Groups the American Farm bureau, National Farmers union in the National Milk producers have suggested the way the usda can provide riskmanagement tools on board terry farmers did the in the short run because we have those across the country in a difficult situation so will you commit to working with me and the industry to use the Administrative Authority to provide the nations Dairy Farmers with reliable riskmanagement tools including the outCrop Insurance proposal from the National Organizations . I was intrigued by your suggestion that your colleagues have regretted the fact that the farm bill did not meet your expectations but not under title i so i am absolutely committed to look for a way to look for that immediate and temporary relief for go through the discretion of the secretary of confirmed and also to be mindful of budget period its as well within the parameters that meet the budget as well but the ideas proposed are intriguing in no philosophical differences that have been suggested and i would look forward to as providing a short and long Term Solution for the dairy and the Cotton Program with the 2018 farm bill. I do think we have an opportunity in accord to working with you to get at and they do have to focus on the budget because i am deeply concerned by the signals of a lack of understanding by a voice said to have the economy and middleclass it is clear the president has focused on making things but not growing things which is equally important looking at a 21 percent cut in the budget is extremely concerning to those that care about small towns. I would like to go through a series of questions to get the yes or no whether to support those you think Small Community should have the same access to clean water as large cities quick. Of course,. What about those who live far away from the Health Center or hospital to have access quick. Absolutely. Is important informers have access to make the farms more productive. Do you think Small Businesses should have access to capital to keep them competitive to organic farmers have of place quick. I think consumers across the country have demonstrated that. Is an important to feed seniors and children in the system breaks. Yes maam. These are some of the cuts or the areas that have taken severe cuts in the budget which is deeply concerning so if you could tell me first if you bad edney and planted in this process of the budget . And how do you move forward how do you as secretary of agriculture place the needs of Rural America . Make your probably aware i had new template with the budget you probably saw that before i did. As a member of the industry shin this is similar to negative revenue estimate if i did not like it but we would manage to it in you indicated the words in your opening statement. Guest the secretary to be a strong advocate and a fiat confirmed i want to get some room work for consumers to let anybody making these decisions know what is important many of these came from the votes and i hope within the context that the objectives to get agricultural shares side recognize that i wonder then within my power within the confines of the administration to match our desires. I flippantly say i grew 20 billion budget not necessarily voluntarily but with the dedicated work of the civil work force in georgia who worked hard in those areas we did do more with less with the efficiency that i look forward to engaging this federal workforce obviously it takes money and i promise i will be a strong and tenacious advocate. Agriculture has been doing more with less. Even with the last farm bill but the cuts here would be devastating for farmers in the small towns. Speaking of the budget senator you will be recognized next first aby to hear from the chairman from the Senate Appropriations Committee Former chairman of this committee and would remind everyone that the president proposes. Mr. Chairman thank you for your remarks my interested agriculture obligation that we have to ensure the fair funding of Government Programs that in many cases help the farmers when they are in desperate straits with weather disasters and challenges that come along from time to time with very difficult economic situations. You are familiar with most of the programs that were first recommended by it the committee and to nurtured by congress to have a lot of people watching you and i am confident in your leadership with insight and experience with the office of secretary of agriculture. We look forward to working closely with you and it can be addressed in a positive way to suit the economic interest as well. We thank the distinguished senator. Thankyou governor purdue your willingness to serve i enjoyed getting to know you over lunch to learn more about you and your wife you have a big job before you with a history of doing big jobs we do appreciate your willingness to throw your hat into the ring. Agriculture is the number one industry but it is interesting coming from 124 billion a 62 billion sold literally have that is a problem in much of the states so we can lessen the pressure in other markets like with Rice Production and poultry so can you talk about the efforts you would take her other markets throughout the world to have an attitude we have customers here and spread out all over the world greg. Respect respect specifically bull cuba and those on the east coast and your colleagues in the upper midwest we would love to have cuba as a customer i led a delegation from georgia to cuba as governor in 2010 and is much of a problem there was the ability to pay and finance might think they would love to have our products as appropriate customers for their rice and beans from the upper midwest and for that reason you could see fit to look into the private financing operation by the restraints they had to go through europe and at a financial haircut so weve have the products they need and regarding cuba was of financing part and other areas not the usda but i would support their efforts regarding other areas which europe and Southeast Asia i hope we can work very closely with the secretary of commerce to put agriculture first in their repertoire and i believe they have the ability to produce Food Products as well as others and visiting with all of your colleagues when you talk to farmers around the globe that is what theyre most concerned about with the world supply and demand issue nbc some of the lowest prices in many years that is a direct result of a financial situation that farmers are struggling even the best farmers cannot produce even with the best production and capabilities soil afford to being an advisor with this administration specifically with that benefit around the world. That is excellent and with regard to cuba of financing in a ski so we have a bill that says if the individual or private bank will do that. I running at a time but i want to comment you have those programs of the schools with the bunch of kids that dont benefit from that. We are trying to get a smooth transition if you could just affirmed the of recognition of the importance to govern that transition. I was able to share with your colleagues above to facilitate that transition brandos the cadet the meals at school to continue that through the summer time so that nofault into a problem to keep the kids healthy. Thank you mr. Chairman for holding the hearing and governor purdue congratulations on your nomination so i am glad i was going to raise trade i am so pleased material answer because Commodity Prices are terrible right now for are of all all farmers and ranchers throughout colorado that led uh recovery now face Commodity Prices in challenges that of as the inputs go higher entire theres so Much Negative talk during the president ial campaign that we look to you to help resurrect that with respect to agriculture 80 percent of that wheat exports all of the growth of the Dairy Farmers comes from trade that were involved with the tpp will need to have access to the markets so knowing youd be an advocate for trade is enormously important to my state of there is anything i can help translate i will commit to do that to you. I want to raise the issue of our National Forest people dont know that comes within the department of agriculture and the importance of smart stewardship one place is the maintenance of our National Forest that we discussed when you were in my office we spent 60 percent of the budget fighting fires. The colorado for service estimated at up 30 from 2008 estimates that said to my colleagues if you are downstream from colorado you need to care about what is happening in these headwaters that is managing few are confirmed will you please come to colorado . I saw the ravages of that terrible fire that occurred with a loss of life with the effects of a forest fire so absolutely as many of your western colleagues. As others have been concerned secretary bill sack is tried to put something into the budget to make sure we treat these buyers like any heather disaster that we budget correctly to do the litigation on the front end because we are spending the of money in the least logical way possible. I have heard you ran your colleagues loud and clear with the extensive conversation with the upside down portion of the budget continually having to borrow to manage those forest fires. That is the bad way as we talk about it but a healthy forest whether the underbrush to use twothirds of of budget to fight we are upsidedown we should manage that to help prevent forest fire so i goal is to reverse that i would love for you and your colleagues to consider looking at forest fires as other natural disasters like a funding mechanism just like tornadoes or floods that would qualify me coz secretary bill sack was very disturbed by the fact to come up with Million Dollars from other parts of the budget and to borrow and not very effective. If you can ubss hero in my state and look forward to having you in colorado. Lets do that. Governor purdue thanks for being here today and your lovely family joining you as well. As my colleagues have already stated the economy is in a downturn last number of years and our producers are hurting especially the young and beginning farmers just getting their star in the last 10 years with the Renewable Fuels have hurt demand for commodities driven by the renewal when negative renewable fuel standards in trade deals like nafta helped to fuel the grade in meet export which is vital to the producers profitability. As we have seen as they continue to innovate and find new ways to grow with more food with fewer input data met the demand but exceeded that leading to the Commodity Prices we have been feeling so acutely. I have a 99 county tour specifically here how challenging it is to be a farmer or a rancher right now. But the most onerous regulations. Whenever i do visit the farmers and ranchers and others one of the common refrain side here is federal regulation from the epa harming their operations to make their lives difficult and the epa seems to have an agenda in the Agricultural Community how you collaborate to ensure that their work is helping rather than insuring farmers and ranchers quick. I have taken the opportunity regarding these issues with all agencies because when the regulation is made our guys get pushed off the boat so to have the Ongoing Communications team identified or others to identify the unintended consequences of regulation before they are promulgated to let the other agencies know what the cost of it would be to Agricultural Producers so i m facetoface sort of person to communicate transparent and the desires i come from the part of the world to see the farmers as goods to words from a conservation perspective because they want to do that rather them prescriptive oversight regulations to incentivize them when they could be better but that progress to do more production all those things to preserve the soil but they have done a good job of that not just to produce that harm their ability to continue to perform. And i certainly support your willingness to work with the heads of those agencies see your absolutely the right person to do that a also want to make a comment in the 2019 Farm Bill Congress recognize the importance of trade directing usda to establish the undersecretary and i hope youll take a look that to make sure we have the right person for that job established as well. Thank you governor for being here we will talk about immigration one area is harmful in is agriculture because we rely on labor for fruit and vegetables and dairy i hope you can speak to President Trump about the affects of the priorities and how it impacts our sector that 50 percent of Agricultural Workers are immigrants so without that debate of holistic paula c. Will harm becker Cultural Workers so i asked make a commitment to get paid need. Was busy with the dairy industry that is not a seasonal job you could go to dairy barns around the country and i do plan to be a voice in the administration to persuade policy makers over this issue and i recognize many producers with these crops have said anxiety about that but the other area that you mentioned is a piece of program with callous that need to be milked every day so i also ask your commitment to work work, specifically to streamline to make that available for questions all Agricultural Workers. I never that loud and clear obviously your stay but i think every state in the nation is affected by that to some degree there are some things that we can do and if confirmed but i will commit at and trade are the two issues me will work on post haste. The course most recently in the country above if you would come to upstate new york we would love to have a field hearing because it has been so destabilizing it is not what they can rely on so we really need to do uh top to bottom reform with those products to work for small dairy like upstate new york. But the volatility of prices no business can survive those range of prices that undergo the last few years adjusted is not profitable even the best family farms cannot survive. Also the snap program it is so important we have food for the familys summer the Work Committee has done with farmers markets and would ask your commitment to focus more food quick. Of lee to the children and families of america and hope we can Work Together to accomplish that. Funding and budgets and was concerned about the president s budget hell it would take away access to the water system and of so many unbent seward needs some relief for world broadband with highspeed internet and the utilitys Service Program is important arab like your commitment for this committee that has bipartisan support. Obviously the president s proposal be recognized to keep the kids on the farm so they have to have the connectivity that is just as important and to advocate members of the usda meeting with the White House Infrastructure Team over that we will certainly promote that to the best of our ability. It is almost high noon. Thank you for taking this on me at Commodity Prices and livestock prices concerns about disease terms of implementation of the farm bill afford to working with you on the next bill as well. I know there is no problem to come to south dakota as long as we have pheasants suggest to answer yes to all of these fees would be fine. [laughter] but the passage penetration showed a lot of inflexibility in the number of various bed debuts of the Management Practices and equitable negative solution for all things we dont think the past demonstration worried with congress so would you work with me on these issues with a Program Administration to make sure they operate greg. Yes. Thank you. I know you are aware of the meat scandal that has issued usda to make sure the food supply is kept safe none of those facilities have shipped me to the United States buddie believe the accelerated testing of raw meat provide adequate protection nor should we think about triggering a shutdown . I believe the men and women are doing a wonderful job i am concerned obviously of the embargo to put that shutdown that there would be retaliation for our products around the world so in some countries have responded in that way i dont want to punish another country but i do want inspectors to be onthejob with the new products coming into the United States. Rebuilt covering states were the chief zinn south dakota grow little slower but we have seen a rapid decrease of mortality of 53 unfortunately brcs situation is not unique to know the senator bennett touched of this but to experience the management reid need to create jobs. Absolutely have my commitment United States for service as challenges and opportunities to make the of forests healthier, from the stated is mostly private ownership but we just not have been Good Neighbors to take care of the public stewardship portion were many owners would so leaving them to take pride in the way but agriculture course helps build a Strong Economy i think it is critical to the National Economy as an essential driver of growth the certainty of the policy so can you commit to ensuring to ride Economic Security . I can do that also the president s commitment in that area as well. Win time expired thank you for taking this on not only this far bill but the one to come. I know he has a date at high noon see you can excuse yourself anytime. Things to my colleagues to went out for a cup of coffee governor purdue and welcome to your family with the legacy that you leave you used to be a lot more handsome. The first human cloning i was checking that out you used to be very handsome. [laughter] 01 to associate myself with the remarks to iliac of flexibility to implement the next farm bill but then we ran into some roadblocks so i am appreciate your commitment and that you had me when you said three words in trade trade trade that we were often the same wavelength that is a critical component so that does not seem to be. Agriculture so we need you to be a voracious and active fighter in the white house and those other agencies can you commit to doing that quite. Agriculture is in my heart i will fight for their producers of America Camino how vital it is to be an advocate and fighter where necessary. We are very Bipartisan Committee we all represent agricultural states but no vital it is to our economy we have a lot of prairie potholes it is part of what redo in terms of resources but we have a lot of farmers who like an opportunity to farm their land and not just raise tax maybe it is the attitude the wetland is more important than the farmer to do the work that needs to be done with then usda so can you staff of some of informers waiting quick. Natalie at the relationship that we talked about earlier but kidman is straighter to major the dont have the and it unintended consequences because added is very important because sometimes they are caught in to load the above rules better order s so to understand to do good conservation but were acquitted minister to do that as well. We love our neighbors to the north but sometimes a little comfort with the standards of reworking on a project that of my office as a relates to the treatment of feet category from good call quality wheat so can you commit to change those policies to prevent discrimination and grain going to the north greg. This is where people talk that there is in equities and unilateral issues for cattle and milk products that we have a relationship to nature in this affair proposition. The program is critical i havent been here for the whole hearing but the seven Program Guaranteed a steady supply of sugar to this country fed doesnt cost anything but it is a value added opportunity so we continue to support that Sugar Program as outlined in the of past greg. I will look that and have the best benefit of that that is another issue with trade to the south over sugar and equities that is harmful for the growers. Congratulations on your nomination. For the sake of the republicans will with the old questions today. [laughter] so welcome to the committee. It is an honor to be here the first to survive the committee i look forward to serving with you it is nice to have a future secretary that speaks the same language as i do as your neighbor to the west accord to working with you also spare the committee when he questions but i do want to build over the last six years i was honored to be the attorney general of our state now working with the epa administrator we spent a lot of time with of federal agenda overreaching is we saw that we were successful but i discussed this was a lack of cooperation between the federal agencies in agriculture is the biggest part of our economy with forestry and catfish farming and other farming activities the lack of cooperation was very frustrating the u. S. Secretary of agriculture we want you to communicate to eliminate one necessary and inconsequential barriers to produce the products that we need in this country cannot have another question maybe i will later but that is the concern that have to live under the regulations that we pass. Like a mentioned were earlier if i am honored bonds that is what i look forward to we have seen no harm that it causes one agency looks they work at cross purposes with another lawyer all beneficiaries of all these agencies with these relationships that can communicate those consequences. Accord to working with you. Thank you for your public sacrifice. Senator you were a wall lassen i i want a written response as an excuse but i will recognize you anyway. Governor purdue i know the play football for the university of georgia on september 9th georgia plays the one to invite you to the game with a big pork barbecue in your honor you can see the irish beat the bulldogs. Would you like to come greg. Dialects up the invitation except for the last clause the want to talk about Crop Insurance it is critically important to my state into my farmers in indiana that is something that they want to keep protected. I value all made progress in the Crop Insurance area obviously italys be refined better but it is vital to the farmers in good producers bear that beat that safety net that you all did so well in that area that does some of the colleagues have mentioned with those proposals and other commodities to make sense if think the american and taxpayer gets a good value for that accord to working with you if i am confirmed to make sure Crop Insurance program in is solid with a good economic value battle with the producers but the taxpayers as well. One thing we all shooting for kansas and michigan and mississippi is for the role areas that is the passion of mine that every county has a chance to buy a home and raise a family take a vacation, retire with dignity and the secretary plays a huge role we need to major the rule communities have broadband and they have the same access to Educational Opportunities as our children do want to make sure as secretary of agriculture be looked at this to maximize economic opportunities. Not all the broadband over so many areas the vitality of our small communities depend on a strong agricultural economy to do what they want to do with health care that is one of the great benefits to make the lives of people across america better because of the presence of the usda. What we look work on conservation programs i think we are first in the nation with that and says the chairman and Ranking Member talk about the onetwo make scheerer as you lowercase airdrop Going Forward with to support those conservation programs as well so as they learn how to preserve to have a more efficient use of water the research arm and extension are or ms. Critical but theyre all about continuing improvement they want to do better each and every year. I apologize i am running at a time when usda is working to increase access for opioid and hair when abuse heroin abuse also with transitional housing to raise awareness to want to make sure the usda is our partner in this critical battle. Secretary bill sack and i had extended conversation in the Rural Development program even in the areas of health care. Marines are my heroes anytime you want to bring me i will be your being and we man. I want to make sure i extend an invitation to come to the agriculture festival in montana. If nothing else, we can do preseason elk scouting. Regarding trade, in 95 of the World Consumers are outside the United States. We have more spending pour today on a per capita basis. Trade becomes very important, i think not only for todays generation but future Generation Farmers and ranches. I had my barley producers and Cattle Producers in my office last week and it is a tough market. The access to long term growth in agriculture i dont think can be overstated. Vast amounts of our wheat, beef, barley, are exported every year. That helps us in this price arena. Helps create jobs and grow the economy. Governor, as secretary, how will you ensure that ags voice is heard loud and clear within this administration to fight for our farmers and ranchers to make sure we have access to new markets abroad. Food is a noble think to trade. As i indicated several times before, we have a great story to tell. We have producers here that can produce more than we need to consume. That is not the case in many parts of the world. Why dont we use that bounty to supply one of the fundamental needs around the world. I will work to advocate for that. I plan to be onsite as usdas chief salesman around the world and negotiate deals side by side with secretary ross and the whole team. I believe usda will be involved in negotiations at tables. I know that will be music to the ears of montana farmers and ranchers. I want to shift gears and talk about Forest Management reform. We always refer to this committee as the Agriculture Committee and that is one of ho our highest priorities. Back home in my state one of my highest priorities is restoring active management to the federal forests. We have chronic litigation from extremist groups and limited management of our forest. Even projects we move forward through collaboration bringing conversation groups and folks from the locking industry logilo logging company. We will lose before the 9th circuit because of the continuous litigation. We have a recent 9th Court Decision that added another layer of red tape and it is threatening dozens of projects. The Supreme Court will not hear the case but we think we can change the outcome. I have a bipartisan support and i ask would you work with me . I would welcome the opportunity to work with you. Y seen the proposed legislation and agree with it. I think at some point you have to say the end as the end and rather than stopping things can continuing litigation is just unproductive and creates what you talked about by unproductive and unmanaged forest. We have to say at some point that is it. Many colleagues have approved projects we have not gotten to. That is a top priority but the continue to move forward. I am hopeful, senator, as we demonstrate good stewardship and management the litigators will see this is good. F f forest are renewable and better for everyone when managed well. Hopefully we go do that. Well said, governor. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Senator klobuchar. Thank you, governor. Enjoyed our meeting and minnesota is fifth in the country for agriculture and we discussed the differences of the southern and midwestern agriculture. Some things in common. One being birds. We were hit by the avian flu hard in the midwest and around the country as a result almost nine million birds died causing 650 million in economic loss. Given detections in tennessee, alabama and wisconsin, are you prepared to respond immediately if and when you are confirmed . Certainly center. The whole ecosystem being developed around that protein, being able to export worldwide, whether it is egg or poultry protein is critical. I am proud of the work i have seen the usda do in tennessee and working with alabama and tennessee in quick cooperation and i think the hard working people in that animal healthier have done a wonderful job. I think they learned a lot from the 2015 outbreak where we might have been slow. They got on this very quickly. We are praying that is confined. We cannot afford an industry, such as our poultry or any sector, be affected by a severe avian flu. What if the 21 cut to the usda goes through . Do you think it can still be a priority . I am hoping we can work with the appropriators. I am i am the lead sponsor of the senate bill to end the embargo with cuba. How would you respond to farmers worried about cutting off the business in with cuba . Or changing president obamas executive order . I answered earlier, i think if we can get the private financing done and there is proposals to already do that, i think american agricultural in the upper plains and the gulf coast and east coast have a wonderful opportunity. That is a country that is hungry. I led a delegation in 2010 from georgia and they wanted our product but could not afford it based on the financial crisis they were in. I know senator thune asked you about the rfs. Will you work to advocate for strong renewable fuel standards during interagency renewables with other secretarys . I will. That is a great area. The dairy program. What would you do to ensure the resources are available for the marginal protect plan to be a safety net for the Dairy Farmers . Thank you, senator. I think i have heard ideas that will enhance that program with a Rich Management program for immediate relief as well as possible solutions for the 2018 farm bill. The israel tavolatility of the dairy are unsustainable and Family Dairy Farms and large dairy farms are in profitable and many dont have the area to continue. In the 2014 farm bill i worked on expanding the Good Neighbor authority that gives the Forest Service additional flexibility to work with willing state and private landowners and implement Forest Management practs. Will you commit to ensuring the Good Neighbor authority and other tools from the 2014 farm bill with fully implemented and emphasized as we continue to work on the next bill . I love the name Good Neighbor and that is what i hope we can become. I think where the u. S. Forest Service Becomes welcome in the community and working with the private citizens not only for job but good Forest Management and literally being Good Neighbors. There is not a better way to say that. Last, i am the cochair of the Senate Broadband connections. We talked about the importance of broadband and would you like to end with what you would like to see done. I would love to see it get done with the infrastructure proposal. We will have a seat at the table there. The white house has already asked usda for their ideas about that. That is number one as well as water resources. Very good. Thank you very much. Senator hogan. Governor perdue, it is great to welcome you and your beautiful family. Thanks for being here and your willingness to serve. I chair the Agriculture Appropriation Committee and want to express my appreciation for senator klobuchars question and even more your answer. I look forward to working with you on that very important issue. Also, one of our formal colleagues was an outstanding secretary of agricultural and visited north dakota on several occasions. So i want to ask if you would be good enough to show up and visit the farmers. What is the record . I know he was there multiple times so you cannot let him show it up. I look forward to surpassing. Do you think you can work with us and behalf of your constituents . I think we can. I think there was great progress made in the 14 farm bill. We know we have a couple areas left out and talked about those today. I think we can get ahead of that. It is more critical that we get a safety net for producers and consumers in Going Forward. That is the challenge i look forward to. If i am confirmed to work with you and enable resources and enable you all to get a farm bill that will be embraced by the agriculture. You agree it takes lots to get it done. Absolutely. You agree it is the heart and soul of Risk Management comes down to counter cycle safety net and making sure we strongly support Crop Insurance as a Risk Management tool. Do you agree with that . Certainly. A well run, well designed, well administered program in that i think gives farmers a lot of confidence. Talk about the importance of Agriculture Research. We talked about the importance of trade and i agree with that. But Agriculture Research is making a difference in the crops we can grow, disease resistance, our yield that lead to profitability. Talk about your willingness and this goes back to the budget issue but talk about your commitment to ag research. We talk about high tech manufacturing i would submit to the president that our Agricultural Sector has been the highest tech Manufacturing Industry we have had in this country for years. The Phenomenal Growth productivity with less water, less management and better soil preservation is phenomenal. The bases is Good Research in land grants and others but the transmission of that information through our Extension Service as well. Are you committed and willing to support Sugar Program . I have. As i mentioned earlier, and certainly i think you all have done a great job in the past in the Sugar Program for those who grow the beets as well as the cane. And talk about trade. It looks like we are in a new era in how we will do trade. The administration likes Bilateral Agreements over the larger Group Agreements which can work but important we continue to press the trade issue. How do you go about that . Speedily because our farmers cant wait long. The ttp was around for a while and weneed to get about the business of selling u. S. Products. If confirmed, by first top is at mr. Lighthouseers office door. We discussed this and he indicated 80 of what he heard was about agriculture. I thought that was good news. We jus have to get on it. Your background and knowledge of trade, it will be important you are a lead player in negotiating those agreements. We hope to be, senator. Great to you. Thanks for being here and your willingness to serve. I remember well back in 1918 when senator Joseph France became a member of the committee. He was a good man. Very willing and able to work with. 99 years later we have the benefit of senator van hollen coming from maryland to join us on the agricultural committee. Welcome, sir. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you for noting that. Very proud of the fact i am the first maryland senator to serve on the Community Since back in 1922, i believe. He began in 1918. And governor, it is great to see you and i enjoyed our conversation. I want to pick up on one of things we talked about which is the Chesapeake Bay which is vital to the state of maryland. Having a healthy and clean bay and the waterman, the people who catch the bounty, the oysters and the crabs that many enjoy and the boating industry. We work closely with our farmers to make sure we have a vibrant community on the shores of maryland. In the 2008 farm bill i worked closely with our Ranking Member and others to create a Chesapeake Bay conversation program. That became very poplar. Other states with water bodies were interested. It became the Regional Conservation Partnership program. And our conservation efforts rely on the program and the reserve program. My question to you is do you agree that these are important programs that we have got in place that we need to continue . Senator, i certainly agree. Week not continue the progress that has been made in the chesapeake day and you articula articulated what a vital resource it is nationally and certainly for the people that live in the watershed and around the body of water. But i dont believe we can continue the progress that has been made much to the credit of farmers, agricultural businesses and others who acknowledge the runoff damaged that. Hopefully we can continue by the education and the national nrcs that we could continue that program. I certainly hope that we will be able to. And even increase and continue the progress. I appreciate that. As you indicate we worked on a cooperative relationship with farmers as stewards of the land. It is very important we have good working relationship which we have had. I do just want to say as a number of senators raised the issue of the proposed budget cuts, too the loan grant program. It is great to have the chairman of the Appropriation Committee here as well. We are going to hopefully work to make sure we address those issues. I can tell you 15 of marylands 24 counties would be in tough positions if they dont get the benefit of those loans. I also say i look forward to working on the epa budget. The trump budget wipes out the chesapeake programs that had full support from both sides in maryland. Senator flake talked about the Crop Insurance. In maryland, most farms are small and medium size. Some of the way the Crop Insurance is currently designed is not fully meeting their needs. So i just want to hear from you a willingness to talk and explore ways to modify provisions to address the needs of the smaller and medium size farms. Certainly. By the way, congratulations on your desire to be on the committee. I dont think many people understand the value of agriculture to maryland. The 14 farm bill recognized the need for Crop Insurance and speciality crops. I think it was a great beginning. Can we go further . Absolutey. We can continue to enhance and particularly make smaller farmers an alternative. Finally on the food nutrition programs i want add how important that is for us. In maryland, we have an 1890 land grant that is doing innovative work. You know that our hbcus have faced significant charges including maintenance funds and others. I know you have worked on this issue. I would just like to get your commitment to follow up in a conversation to try to address the issue of strengthening the 1890 hbcus. I would welcome that. We have those in georgia as well and i was pleased to see your president welcome them and make commitments in those areas. I look forward to working with you directly regarding your specific ones. We have a particular challenge and issue with one of them. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, mr. Chairman and welcome. Governor, nice to see you. My colleagues dont know but during the time in the air force Governor Perdue spent time in columbus, ohio and now rick n balker and will also put ohio second right after georgia. Senator van hollen had a couple questions i want to emphasize. One is the importance of the Chesapeake Bay. A lot of them apply to the great lakes initiatives. The president has cut it a hundred percent which is ludicrous. All of us in the great lakes states are what won him the election. I am old to remember what the great lakes looked like when i was a kid and it is one of the great accomplishments of government to clean this up. I would emphasize the importance. Chesapeake bay is important but great lakes is the largest collection of fresh water in the world. Chesapeake bay isnt even fresh water. I object he is a new member. He doesnt get to object. I know the governor supported the agriculture bill and the comments on the historic black colleges is really important and i want the central state in my state is important. I know you worked with georgias hbcus as a governor. Thoughts, if you would give us briefly because we are running out of time and a vote is coming, what are the next steps you plan to take in support of those units universities. Again, i was pleased to hear the president and welcome them. We know the work they do as a Land Grant University and unique niche programs in the state. They have a value to serve and i look forward to helping them with the research, providing and asking them for particular Research Projects with usda that have the opportunity do that. Give them an opportunity to compete in those areas and to listen and learn from them as well as they can provide good information were us in areas in which they operate. I appreciate your sensitivity to historically black colleges unlike your soon to be colleague in the cabinet who said they were about choice when it came to black statements. Senator donnelly mentioned opioids. My state has more opioid deaths than any other state in the country. If they repeal the Affordable Care act there are 200,000 ohioians that are getting opioid Addiction Treatment on the Affordable Care act. I know that is not your issue exactly although it is wrour your partys issue. I ask if something happens and that insurance is taken away bill as would be with the house bill i would ask you if you would go back to the white house to fight the battle of opioid conditions. I am not sure you were here. Bill sack was proud of the input the usda had on the opioids addiction. Much of this is in rural areas. I will absolutely be an advocate. We dont have the basic capacity to surplant everything in health care but it has an opportunity to help in that regard and i welcome doing that. That again is why my republican good governor and colleague in the senate, senator portman, both expressed great concern about the Affordable Care act and what would happen to medicaid. 700,000 ohio residents are on medicaid. It is amazing to us a bunch of us who get government supported insurance, taxpayers subsidize our health care insurance. I just need to say it is such a big part of the opioid picture. Last issue, and i know you are getting impatient, mr. Chairman, but thank you. I worked with senator thune on the last farm bill and the agriculture coverage. The program protects against unforeseen declines when prices are low or production is low because of unforp unforeseen circumstances. There were cuts suggested to that program and having the resources necessary to actually implement arc. 17 jobs in my state depends on agriculture. That is why i won this committee. I need to know farmers can depend on you. I know your speciality is not the same as most of the agriculture and senator and Ranking Member in my state and i accept that. But i want to know you will work with us and use your authority to make sure we can find ways to carry out the Ag Risk Coverage Program and you can help the second part of that question, short term assistance with Dairy Farmers. I heard you mention them briefly and i need assurance on both issues. We confirmed assistance on the dairy Risk Management. Farmers have to rely on good independent data through the nss to provide that information because the arc and the plc program both depend on it. That is independent sources trusted Worldwide Supply and demand and move markets. That is a critical part of usda and i will support that to the best of my ability. Governor, you can tell your children and grandchildren your conformation hearing was in the kennedy caucus where the watergate hearings, the markup of the afford, the tighttanic hearings. Tell your grandchildren. I think you just told them, senator. Senator stabenow. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I just want to i know we have a vote coming and you are about to wrap up. I just have a few additional questions i will submit for the record as well as the letter that i referenced earlier regarding dairy. Thank you very much. All members should understand they can submit letters for the record. The committee has received several letters supporting your nomination including 700 across the food change and six former u. S. Secretary of agriculture. Governor perdue, thank you for your willingness to be considered for service for agriculture and Rural America as secretary of agriculture. This committee has a history of working in a bipartisan physician as this hearing is demonstrated as opposed to others that have been going on in the senate. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations]