News

Vilsack questioned by GOP lawmakers on climate-smart funding

A group of Republicans in the US House are questioning the USDA’s transparency of its Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities pilot program.

In a letter, ten GOP lawmakers are asking Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to justify using $3.5 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funds for the pilot program.

The lawmakers said the “move has raised questions about current and future congressional oversight of CCC funding.” They also expressed concern the funds were being allocated to partner organizations with no direction from Congress.

The lawmakers are asking the USDA to respond to other questions in the letter.

The ten Republicans that signed onto the letter include Dan Newhouse (WA), Andy Harris (MD), Tom McClintock (CA), Jay Obernolte (CA), David Valadao (CA), Connie Conway (CA), Cliff Bentz (OR), Doug LaMalfa (CA), Andy Biggs (AZ), and John Moolenaar (MI).