Chairman Boozman Welcomes USDA Nominees to Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) led a hearing to consider the nominations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture of Dr. Mindy Brashears, Stella Yvette Herrell, and John Walk.

The following is Chairman Boozman's 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 Dr. Mindy Brashears to serve as Under Secretary of Food Safety, Representative Stella Yvette Herrell to serve as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Affairs and External Relations, and Mr. John Walk to serve as Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture.

"We welcome all of you to the committee and congratulate you on your nominations. Thank you for your willingness to serve.

"Starting with Dr. Brashears, the work of the Food Safety mission area is one of the most consequential responsibilities of USDA. Ensuring the safety of the U.S. food supply is critical, and extraordinarily complex. Dr. Brashears knows this well having led this mission area through the pandemic - one of the most challenging times in the history of our food supply chain.

"Sound science must continue to be the foundation of our food safety regulatory system. This is essential to deliver confidence and certainty to consumers, producers, processors, and our trading partners. Our food safety systems must also continue to adapt and modernize to best protect public health, as well as support our producers and processors who rely on federal and state inspection services to deliver a safe, efficient food supply.

"I was pleased that earlier this year, USDA extended the line speed waivers for pork and poultry processors after years of duplicative study confirmed what decades of research already indicated, and I look forward to hearing more about the Department's work to develop a long-term program consistent with the latest scientific advancements. This committee's work to expeditiously advance Dr. Brashears nomination will help us ensure FSIS remains the gold standard worldwide for meat, poultry, and egg product safety.

"Now to Representative Herrell, the Office of Congressional Affairs and External Relations serves as a vital link between the Department and Congress. Members and their staff rely on this office for timely information, technical assistance, oversight support, and to elevate and find solutions to constituent priorities. This relationship is key to carrying out our shared goal of supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. As a former Member of Congress, Representative Herrell most certainly understands this.

"Finally, Mr. Walk. The Office of the Inspector General is responsible for conducting oversight of and ensuring the proper administration of USDA's nearly 300 programs.

"Any incident of fraud, waste, or misuse of government funds is unacceptable, and the Inspector General's office plays an essential role in preventing these incidents and addressing such issues. A proactive and attentive Inspector General is essential to protecting the integrity of USDA and ensuring good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

"I want to again, congratulate Dr. Brashears, Representative Herrell, and Mr. Walk on their nominations. I look forward to hearing how they will use their prospective roles to serve and benefit American Agriculture and the American people.

"I now turn to Ranking Member Klobuchar for her opening statement."