The Agriculture Department hasn’t made up its mind on whether to move forward with a proposal to take over regulation of biotech animal products, asking Friday for more comments on the subject.

Senate Republicans used a confirmation hearing for two high-level nominees to express strong concerns about the Biden administration’s environmental agenda, which prioritizes climate change and environmental justice.

Democrats look to move President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package through the Senate while Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack makes his case for the new administration’s priorities to farm groups this week for the first time in his return to his old job.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says addressing the COVID-19 pandemic remains top of mind as he returns to USDA, but he also will be addressing climate policy, workforce issues and other matters in the early days of his tenure.