Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was pleased that the U.S. Senate acted in bipartisan spirit to approve the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act. He said he was grateful with the Senate’s progress toward providing a reformed safety net for producers in times of need, supporting agricultural research and trade promotion, honoring World Trade Organization commitments, furthering the bio-based economy, conserving our natural resources, strengthening local and regional food systems and promoting job growth in rural America. According to Vilsack – the Administration will continue to seek policy solutions and savings consistent with the President’s budget as the legislative process moves forward. He expressed hope that the House will produce a bill with those same goals in mind – and noted that the nation’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities must have the certainty they need to continue strengthening the rural and national economy.