Dear Secretary Vilsack:

The Committee on Natural Resources ("Committee") invites you, as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture ("USDA"), to testify at an oversight hearing regarding (1) the Obama Administration's decision to sequester money paid to states under the Secure Rural Schools program ("SRS") and (2) your compliance with a subpoena served September 4, 2013, on you, as Secretary, for documents related to that decision. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in 1324 Longworth House Office Building.

A letter was sent to you on November 5, 2013, indicating that this hearing was being planned for November 20th and requesting the USDA promptly advise the Committee about any scheduling conflicts. The USDA's November 8, 2013, and November 12, 2013, letters do not identify any scheduling conflicts with that date, as was requested.

Read the entire letter HERE.