Oversight of USDA is a responsibility the Committee takes very seriously. Having an open dialogue with the department is important to ensure that USDA is operating in the best interests of our constituents and implementing programs as Congress intended.
Opening Statement by Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson
Oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
--As Prepared for Delivery--
“Thank you Mr. Chairman and welcome, Secretary Vilsack, to the Committee.
“Oversight of USDA is a responsibility the Committee takes very seriously. Having an open dialogue with the department is important to ensure that USDA is operating in the best interests of our constituents and implementing programs as Congress intended.
“A few areas we are specifically looking at today include the operation of the Office of Outreach and Advocacy created by the 2008 Farm Bill, awarding Strike Force Initiative and Section 2501 grants in 2010 and 2011, a review of the beginning farmer initiative and the long-delayed development of MIDAS, the FSA computer system upgrade.
“Since the Secretary is joining us today, I wouldn’t be surprised if members used this opportunity to address other issues that may be happening in their districts. Avian flu, for example, has impacted many of my poultry producers and others across the region. I’ve appreciated the department’s efforts thus far but am looking forward to an update on future plans if another outbreak occurs this fall.
“Again, I thank the Chair for holding today’s hearing. USDA is a large department, which can make adequate oversight a difficult task. We might have different ideas on how to get there but I think we all want the department to be running as effectively and efficiently as possible.
