Perdue Promises to be Tireless Advocate for Rural America
Agriculture Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue reassured senators from farm states last week that he would be a “tenacious advocate and fighter” for rural America, promising to promote trade and create jobs for the struggling ag industry.
At his confirmation hearing, the former Georgia governor stressed bipartisanship.
“In Georgia, agriculture is one area where Democrats and Republicans consistently reached across the aisle and worked together,” Perdue said.
He told senators concerned about Trump’s trade agenda that “trade is really the answer” for farmers dealing with low crop prices.
Perdue, 70, would be the first Southerner in the post for more than two decades. His rural roots—he is a farmer’s son and has owned several agricultural companies—and his conciliatory tone have already won him support from some Democrats, including Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, who said she will vote to confirm Perdue. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., has also said she will vote for him.
Stabenow said the next secretary needs to be “an unapologetic advocate for all of rural America.”
Farm-state Republicans have also criticized President Trump’s proposed budget cuts and have been wary of the president’s opposition of some trade agreements.
Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said at the hearing that producers need a market for their goods, and “during this critical time, the importance of trade for the agriculture industry cannot be overstated.”
Perdue noted a growing middle class around the world that is hungry for U.S. products.
“Food is a noble thing to trade,” Perdue said, adding that he would “tirelessly advocate that within the administration.”
Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana said Perdue’s pro-trade comments were “music to the ears of Montana farmers and ranchers.”
Perdue will work with Congress on a new five-year farm bill, and he pledged to help senators sustain popular crop insurance programs and fix what they see as problems with government dairy programs. He also reinforced for senators he would prioritize broadband access in rural communities.
Perdue is widely expected to be confirmed. The Agriculture Committee has yet to schedule a committee vote, but if he wins enough votes, his nomination will advance to a full Senate vote.
Sources: The Washington Post, WRAL in Raleigh, N.C.