USDA Delays and Perdue Endorsement

USDA Delays and Perdue Endorsement

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
From the Ag Information Network, I'm Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.

President Trump's delayed selection of his new Ag Secretary, former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, will also mean that filling USDA's sub-cabinet and agency officials will take longer than usual.

Altogether, USDA has 223 openings for non-career, political appointments. Fourteen are presidential appointments that require Senate confirmation. Two are presidential appointments that need no approval.

When President Trump made it official, naming former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as his choice for Agriculture Secretary, I drew an immediate endorsement from a lawmaker who will play a key role in his confirmation process.

Senate Ag Committee Chairman Pat Roberts said he's delighted, calling Perdue a "strong leader" who "understands that he'll be a secretary ... for all Americans.

Asked if he would be good for expanding farm exports, the Kansas Republican replied, "Amen, brother."

Ranking Democrat on the panel, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, held back an endorsement, saying "we'll see."

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