[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 23, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONFIRMATION OF THOMAS J. VILSACK

  Mr. PAUL, Mr. President, today, I voted to oppose the confirmation of 
Tom Vilsack as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While I 
appreciate Mr. Vilsack's willingness to again serve in this capacity 
after holding this same role in President Obama's administration, his 
stance on USDA's assistance programs and climate change give me pause. 
During his confirmation hearing, Mr. Vilsack stated one of his main 
priorities is expanding eligibility for food stamps to people not 
necessarily in need. Mr. Vilsack's willingness to expand eligibility 
for these programs will require more Federal spending and add to the 
national debt.
  Perhaps even more concerning is Mr. Vilsack's willingness to use his 
position at USDA to further President Biden's aggressive climate change 
agenda, which will undoubtedly lead to more regulations on the 
agriculture industry. In his confirmation hearing, Mr. Vilsack stated, 
``If confirmed, USDA will lead the federal government in . . . 
investing in renewable energy . . . embracing sustainable and 
regenerative practices that enhance soil health . . . and delivering 
science-based solutions to help mitigate and reduce climate change.'' 
Additionally, he said, ``I share the president's vision of a net-zero 
emission opportunity for U.S. agriculture . . .'' Cumbersome 
regulations based on climate alarmism will inevitably lead to higher 
food prices for consumers. Farmers should be able to exercise their own 
sound judgement and common sense without burdensome Federal 
regulations. For these reasons, I opposed his confirmation.

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