Senators Stabenow, Boozman Statement on the Confirmation of Dr. Basil Gooden and Summer Mersinger

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ranking Member, announced that the Senate has confirmed Dr. Basil Gooden to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development and the Honorable Summer Mersinger to serve a second term as a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

“Dr. Gooden and Commissioner Mersinger are both extremely qualified for these positions. They were both raised on farms and understand the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. I look forward to working with them, and I know they will serve the American people well,” Chairwoman Stabenow said.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Gooden has shown a commitment to rural America and willingness to work across party lines to improve the lives of those who call our rural communities home. Likewise, Commissioner Mersinger has excelled as a champion for agricultural end-users and her leadership has helped guide the CFTC to regulate in a fair and transparent manner. I congratulate both Dr. Gooden and Commissioner Mersinger on their confirmations and look forward to working with them moving forward,” Boozman said. 

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