Ranking Member Stabenow Statement on Agriculture Committee Vote on Sonny Perdue

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, today voted on the nomination of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee favorably voted the nominee out of the Committee at a business meeting earlier today.

“After a thorough review of his qualifications and priorities, I support the nomination of Governor Perdue to serve as Agriculture Secretary,” said Stabenow. “Although we have some differences on policy, we share a commitment to support American agriculture and strengthen our small towns and rural communities. I look forward to working with Governor Perdue as we write the 2018 Farm Bill. Farmers and families in Michigan and all across rural America need a champion at USDA.”

At his nomination hearing last week, Stabenow asked Perdue specific questions about his support for rural America in light of the Trump administration’s recent budget proposal to gut USDA funding by 21 percent. Stabenow has expressed strong concern that these cuts will harm farmers and families in a tough farm economy. Perdue pledged to be a strong and tenacious advocate to ensure farmers and rural communities have access to the important resources and services USDA provides. Perdue also said he would look for ways to support dairy farmers struggling from low prices.

Additionally, Perdue has agreed to work closely with Stabenow to support a comprehensive Farm Bill, protect conservation programs, strengthen the farm and family safety net, support agricultural research and scientific integrity, and pursue a comprehensive fix to the Forest Service budget.

#