News

Ag issues in Capitol Hill spotlight

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will appear before two Congressional committees this week.

On Tuesday, Vilsack will testify at a Senate Ag Committee hearing on implementation of the farm bill. On Wednesday, he’ll appear before the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.

Later this week, Vilsack will be in Phoenix to speak at the annual Commodity Classic event.

Another administration official, EPA chief Gina McCarthy, will face questioning this week from subcommittees of the House Energy and Appropriations committees. Among other topics, she’s likely to be asked about the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule.

Meanwhile, the House Agriculture Committee will hold a pair of oversight hearings this week on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Observers say those hearings could be a prelude to GOP attempts to make deeper cuts in food stamps.