For the second time, the Senate Agriculture Committee will consider President Trump’s nominees for USDA policymaking positions, though it has yet to schedule a hearing for Sam Clovis, co-chair of Trump’s presidential campaign and the most controversial USDA nominee in 15 years. Instead, committee leaders called a hearing for Oct. 5 on Bill Northey, nominated for undersecretary for farm production and conservation, and Greg Ibach, for undersecretary for marketing and regulation.
The administration, for its part, insists that the Clovis nomination is proceeding normally, and that it expects his confirmation within a month. Clovis’ “paperwork is moving through the process” at the same time other nominees are being handled, said a USDA official. “It just takes time.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has threatened an all-out floor fight against Clovis, nominated in mid-June for USDA chief scientist and undersecretary for research. The job is supposed to go to a scientist with a significant record in ag research or education. Clovis has a doctorate in public administration.
Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, the senior Democrat on the Agriculture Committee, has issued a statement against the nomination: “Since day one, I’ve been concerned that Sam Clovis is not qualified to lead the important science and research arm of the USDA. As I’ve learned more about his background and divisive views, it’s clear that I cannot support his nomination. I urge President Trump to withdraw his nomination and replace him with a qualified candidate who will look out for the best interests of our farmers and research institutions.”
Northey and Ibach are popular choices for the USDA. Northey is serving his third term as Iowa’s elected state agriculture secretary. Ibach was appointed state agriculture director in Nebraska in 2005.
Last week, the Agriculture Committee held a brief and friendly confirmation hearing for Steve Censky, nominated for deputy secretary, and Ted McKinney, nominated for undersecretary for trade. McKinney and Clovis were nominated on the same day by President Trump.