SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, & FORESTRY
U.S. Department of Agriculture Nomination Hearing
For questions on the note below, please contact the Delta Strategy Group team.
On October 29, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing to consider the nominations of:
- Mindy Brashers, Nominee for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety
- Stella Yvette Herrell, Nominee for an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture
- John Walk, Nominee for Inspector General, Department of Agriculture
Below is a summary of the hearing prepared by Delta Strategy Group, which includes several high-level takeaways from opening statements and discussion.
Key Takeaways
- Chairman Boozman (R-AR) highlighted the importance of food safety and emphasized that sound science should continue to be the foundation of the nation’s food safety regulatory system. He noted that in order to best protect public health, food safety needs to continue to modernize, with a partnership between the Committee and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) as key to achieving shared goals.
- Senator Marshall (R-KS) raised how ultra-processed foods have become a growing concern in how they affect people’s health, questioning Brashers on the importance of developing a definition and particular components she would be looking for in that development. Brashers outlined that there needs to be some guidelines in this area, but added that some processing and chemicals are necessary to maintain the food’s safety. She noted that she looks forward to continuing to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in developing these definitions and advocating for consumers.
- Senator Marshall highlighted the importance of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, the Rural Health Transformation Fund, and regenerative agriculture, emphasizing them as key priorities. He outlined how he sees these three issues as one, and he highlighted the role of educating FFA and 4-H members on regenerative and precision agriculture to promote awareness in rural communities. He questioned Herrell on what she could do to improve farmers’ education around the importance of soil and water health. Herrell stated one of her goals will be to enhance public understanding of agriculture’s importance and equip young agricultural leaders with the tools to share that knowledge within their communities.
- Brashers emphasized her commitment to fostering a data-driven, science-based decision-making culture at USDA, noting that establishing this approach was one of her key accomplishments during her previous tenure in the role.
- Walk stated how the IG has a crucial function to promote transparency by informing the public of waste, fraud, and abuse in the administration of federal programs. He cited how the USDA is entrusted with more than $200 billion in taxpayer funds and over 300 programs in charge of farmers, ranchers, and the American public. Walk stated he would follow all laws and professional standards regarding conflicts of interest and auditor independence, relying on counsel and the compliance office for guidance. He committed to completing and releasing the OIG’s outstanding report on building utilization.
- Herrell committed to fostering practical, bipartisan collaboration that reflects the needs of producers and rural communities. She emphasized that the Office of Congressional Relations should serve as a trusted point of contact for all members, staff, and stakeholders, pledging to listen carefully, respond promptly, and work diligently.
- Ranking Member Klobuchar (D-MN) stated how the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) plays one of the most critical roles at the USDA. She noted the decrease in the FSIS workforce and questioned Brashers about how she would respond to this. Senator Klobuchar highlighted bipartisan concerns about the Department’s reorganization plan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the USDA Inspector General’s independence to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
- Ranking Member Klobuchar raised how FSIS is responsible for ensuring that foreign trade partners meet the U.S. food safety parameters, with Brashers confirming there is 100 percent inspection at the border, that new audits will be conducted, and to ensuring USDA will not compromise food safety regarding imports.