WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) delivered the following opening remarks at a hearing to consider the nominations of Luke Lindberg to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Devon Westhill to be Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights.
The following is the Chairman’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:
“Good afternoon and welcome. It is my privilege to call this hearing to order. Today we will consider the nominations of Mr. Luke Lindberg to be Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and Mr. Devon Westhill to be Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture for Civil Rights.
“We welcome both of you to the committee and congratulate you on your nominations. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
“The challenges that farmers continue to face, which have been consistently communicated to this committee in the farm bill hearings we have held so far this Congress, show why it is so important that Secretary Rollins have her team in place.
“The costs for fuel, seed, and fertilizer remain high, as do interest rates, and farmers everywhere are losing money on every acre they cultivate, all the while in desperate need of an updated farm bill safety net and risk management tools.
“Secretary Rollins has done a great job supporting our farmers through these challenges and the two nominees before us today will be important members of her team.
“Starting with Mr. Lindberg, the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs is tasked with expanding access for U.S. agricultural products into foreign markets and promoting U.S. food and agriculture exports. Considering that the U.S. agricultural trade deficit is projected to reach a record $49 billion this year, and both tariff and non-tariff trade barriers continue to inhibit U.S. agriculture from reaching key markets and opening new markets, this position is critical.
“Mr. Lindberg will be tasked with representing USDA in trade negotiations, including collaborating with USTR, the Department of Commerce, the Department of State, and the White House.
“Farmers and ranchers rely on this position to elevate the significance of agricultural trade issues in broader trade discussions, and that will be especially true given the current uncertain trade environment.
“The Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs also plays an important role in administering USDA’s international food assistance programs.
“Mr. Lindberg will be responsible for coordinating commodity procurement among various agencies within USDA. This work helps expand markets for U.S. producers, and Mr. Lindberg will be responsible for working with the White House to ensure the good work of longstanding programs such as Food for Peace can continue.
“I’m confident that Mr. Lindberg’s prior government service, private sector expertise, and his deep trade background will serve him well in this role.
“While Mr. Lindberg will have important work to lead, so too will Mr. Westhill. As I have said before, I believe producers want an improved relationship with USDA. They want to know USDA is a partner and will provide them the tools they need.
“Mr. Westhill will be in charge of enforcing civil rights law within USDA, as well as processing employment opportunity complaints. While this role isn’t often in the spotlight, it is essential.
“Mr. Westhill will be tasked with ensuring all USDA employees are treated with respect, that their civil rights are protected, and they are not fearful of retaliation.
“He will also work with the 29 agencies and eight mission areas within USDA to ensure that the programs meant to serve our farmers, ranchers and rural communities are carried out in a way that is consistent with civil rights law and department protocol, and address complaints in a timely and thoughtful manner.
“Having previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights, he knows the office inside and out and will be able to hit the ground running. I am confident he is the right man for the job.
“I am confident both Mr. Lindberg and Westhill have the necessary experience and will thrive in these roles. I look forward to hearing their testimonies and answers to questions.
“I now turn to Ranking Member Klobuchar for her opening statement.”