King: Secretary Vilsack Offers No Solutions

Washington, DC- Congressman Steve King released the following statement after questioning United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today in the House Agriculture Committee:

To watch the Congressman question Secretary Vilsack, click here.

"In today's hearing, Secretary Vilsack and I spoke about the USDA's troubled school lunch overhaul, and his recent indication that he will be furloughing meat inspectors as a consequence of sequestration," said King. "I expected answers about those important decisions that have and will affect Iowans, especially our meat producers and students, but the Secretary had no substantive answers. Americans expect cooperation between the Executive and Legislative branch. I call upon Secretary Vilsack to address the major concerns within the school lunch program and heed the advice of the committee to do all in his power to submit to Congress the request for the flexibility required to avoid furloughing inspectors."