Confirmation hearings for Trump’s cabinet picks start today

Senate Committees are full speed ahead with confirmation hearings beginning today for President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks.

Senator Chuck Grassley recently met with Trump’s pick to lead USDA, and says he urged Brooke Rollins to focus on new trade agreements.

“And I would suggest continuing where Trump left off, with starting negotiations with African countries, specifically with Kenya, where they were starting out. And then, the extent to which they can continue to negotiate with the United Kingdom.”

A handful of nominees will begin the confirmation process this week. The Senate Legislative calendar does not have a hearing set for Rollins.

Related Stories
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.
Labor is an ongoing crisis in the ag sector. One industry group outlines three vital reforms to the H-2A visa program that farmers need to secure an affordable, stable workforce.
Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.
Both Congressional Ag Committees took up the bill over the summer, but there’s no word on when the Senate could move forward; it does expire on September 30.
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Sen. Roger Marshall discusses the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and what expanded milk options could mean for students and dairy farmers. Industry groups say it is a win for student nutrition and dairy producers.
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
An outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) first appeared after livestock events in Texas and Arizona, and some horses have already died.
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.