S O U N D   O F F

Dear Chuck and Roni,

Recently, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent out a "Greening Headquarters Update" newsletter to employees encouraging them to participate in "Meatless Mondays" while dining in USDA's cafeterias. The newsletter encourages employees to "help yourself and the environment while having a good vegetarian meal." The newsletter cites the United Nations and claims animal agriculture "wastes resources" and is a "major source of greenhouse gases and climate change." This newsletter raises serious concerns about USDA priorities and the priorities of the Obama administration as a whole.

Previously under this administration, the Department of Labor proposed a rule that would have limited children under 16 from working on family farms and the Department of Transportation proposed a rule requiring farm vehicle operators to hold a commercial drivers license (CDL).

"Meatless Mondays" is yet another example of how out of touch this Administration is with Wyoming's family farmers and ranchers who produce our food and fiber. We need a USDA that puts the priorities of American ag producers first over the agenda of extreme environmentalists. As Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus, I joined with my Republican colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack voicing our concerns over the USDA's priorities and their efforts to discourage meat consumption in their facilities.

Farming and ranching is an important part of our economy, our way of life and our culture in Wyoming. Please know that I will continue to remain vigilant against any harmful policies that will affect Wyoming's farm and ranch communities.

John Barrasso, M.D.
United States Senator