WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) delivered the following opening remarks at the hearing to consider the nominations of Judge Stephen Vaden to be Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Tyler Clarkson to be General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The following is Boozman’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:
“Good morning and welcome. It is my privilege to call this hearing to order. Today we will consider the nominations of Judge Stephen Vaden to be Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson to be General Counsel of the United States Department of Agriculture.
“We welcome both of you to the committee and congratulate you on your nominations.
“You have been nominated at a very challenging time for rural America. This committee has examined the challenges facing our country’s hardworking farmers, ranchers and rural businesses. We’ve heard how they are struggling to keep up, let alone profit, in this current economic climate. Farmers everywhere are losing money on every acre they cultivate.
“Furthermore, while the President has imposed tariffs designed to address unfair practices and market manipulation by our trading partners to level the playing field, it remains to be seen how these will impact agriculture, causing much unease.
“Beyond the economic uncertainty our farmers and ranchers are experiencing, our producers want to know that USDA is in their corner advocating for their needs. I was pleased to see USDA quickly distribute the economic assistance Congress approved at the end of last year. And while implementation has gone relatively smoothly, we continue to be in contact with the department to make sure implementation of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program is following Congressional intent.
“I am confident that Judge Vaden and Mr. Clarkson will ensure careful and deliberate decisions are made regarding vital USDA programs. They both bring impressive legal backgrounds and USDA experience that will serve Secretary Rollins and our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities well.
“Judge Vaden, whose family has farmed in Tennessee and Kentucky since the 1800s, has a legal background that spans the private sector, USDA, and the federal bench. His understanding of agriculture, the law, and USDA will serve him well as he is tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the department.
“Mr. Clarkson, having previously served as Deputy General Counsel, Principal Deputy General Counsel, and Acting General Counsel at USDA, is well prepared to serve as the department’s General Counsel.
“As General Counsel, Mr. Clarkson will be tasked with providing legal advice to Secretary Rollins and all other officials and agencies at USDA. This committee will lean on his statutory interpretations and legal expertise as we develop policies being considered by Congress.
“While the roles of Deputy Secretary and General Counsel aren’t always public facing, they are essential in ensuring the Department remains focused on its mission and in compliance with laws and regulations. I am thankful for Mr. Vaden and Mr. Clarkson being willing to serve and confident both nominees will perform their roles well. I look forward to hearing their testimonies and answers to questions.”