U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) on Tuesday voted to support the confirmation of Tom Vilsack to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The nominee of President Joe Biden was confirmed in a 92-7 vote. Vilsack served in the same position during the Obama administration from January 2009 through January 2017.
Tuberville was recently named to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
“Though Secretary Vilsack has previously held this position, our agriculture challenges are not the same,” Tuberville said in a statement following the confirmation vote. “Farmers are facing unfair trade retaliation and pandemic-related supply chain disruption, while also continuing to deal with the most unpredictable business partner of all – Mother Nature.”
“I plan to work with Secretary Vilsack and my Agriculture Committee colleagues on the upcoming Farm Bill, restoring trade routes and markets damaged by the pandemic, and improving disaster relief programs so that farmers can get the timely relief they deserve,” he continued. “Agriculture is the largest driver of Alabama’s economy, and I look forward to ensuring our farmers, producers, and foresters have a seat at the table during upcoming policy debates.”
Vilsack was governor of Iowa from 1999 until 2007. His confirmation as agriculture secretary in 2009 came on a voice vote, signifying resounding bipartisan support.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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