Senate Confirms Bill Northey to USDA Position

Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Robers was pleased to announce that the Senate has confirmed Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey to a position with the USDA. After he is sworn in, he’ll serve as the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services within the USDA. “I’m pleased the Senate advanced his nomination,” Roberts says, “and I have no doubt he will be a champion for farmers and ranchers at USDA.” The Senate Ag Committee held a hearing on the Northey nomination back on October 5, where the nomination was approved by bipartisan voice vote. Northey had the support of more than 60 farm and ranch organizations. Texas Senator Ted Cruz had placed a hold on the Northey nomination in an attempt to force changes to the Renewable Fuels Standard, which he and a handful of refiners blame for hurting jobs in that sector. Northey was thankful that the process has been completed. “It’s a tremendous honor for me to be confirmed as an Under Secretary of Agriculture,” he says, “and while the process took longer than expected, I’m excited as ever to work with Secretary Perdue and the USDA staff to support our nation’s farmers and ranchers.”