WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) held a hearing to review the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Reorganization Proposal.
The following is the Chairman’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:
“Good morning and welcome. It’s my privilege to call this hearing to order to review the USDA reorganization proposal. I welcome our witness, Judge Stephen Vaden, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. I appreciate your ability to appear before the committee on short notice and the opportunity to engage thoughtfully on the future of USDA and how it will continue to efficiently serve our farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
“Despite being at the helm for less than six months, Secretary Rollins has already made a significant and positive impact on the agriculture sector and rural America. I appreciate her commitment to serving our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters.
“She has worked tirelessly to implement emergency economic assistance and supplemental disaster relief Congress passed in December to ensure that American farmers and ranchers receive emergency assistance to keep their family farms in operation, and to help them recover from natural disasters.
“She has championed provisions that bolster the farm safety net, crop insurance, research, our animal health infrastructure, and trade promotion programs Congress delivered in the One Big Beautiful Bill.
“The Secretary has also taken action to defend American livestock against the growing threat of New World Screwworm, as well as successfully reined in the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak that has significantly impacted poultry flocks and dairy operations across the U.S.
“She continues to be a voice for American agriculture and those who feed, clothe, and fuel our nation.
“Last week, Secretary Rollins announced a major reorganization of USDA. I appreciate the Secretary’s emphasis on improving effectiveness and accountability, enhancing services, reducing bureaucracy and cutting waste. I support these goals.
“As we examine the proposal, we need to fully understand its implications for the people USDA serves; especially how reorganization will affect USDA’s boots-on-the-ground presence in rural America and the delivery of essential services.
“From its founding, USDA has been essential to American life – supporting farmers and ranchers, stewarding natural resources, investing in rural development, and advancing innovation in food and agriculture. As the Department evolves to meet 21st-century challenges, it's important that any reorganization enhances its ability to deliver on those commitments.
“I share the Secretary’s desire to ensure USDA operates efficiently, is a good steward of taxpayer dollars, and meets the needs of agriculture and rural America.
“We must also prioritize what matters most to producers and rural communities: service, responsiveness, and results. USDA is often the most visible face of the federal government in rural America. That presence, whether through FSA offices, conservation staff, or rural development programs, needs to be preserved and empowered. As we review this plan, I look forward to learning more about how this proposal strengthens USDA’s ability to deliver on the ground, support implementation of the Farm Bill, and serve as a reliable partner to the people it was created to support.
“Deputy Secretary Vaden, I recognize you have only been at the Department for a little over three weeks after being sworn in on July 7, so you were not necessarily involved in the internal deliberations leading up to last week’s announcement. I thank you for being here today, less than a month into your new role, to testify on this important proposal.”