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“NOMINATION OF MICHAEL J. McCORD TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (COMPTROLLER)” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S3633-S3634 on June 12, 2014.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
NOMINATION OF MICHAEL J. McCORD TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
(COMPTROLLER)
______
NOMINATION OF R. JANE CHU TO BE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT
FOR THE ARTS
______
NOMINATION OF TODD A. BATTA TO BE AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of the following nominations, which the clerk will report.
The bill clerk read the nominations of Michael J. McCord, of Ohio, to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller); R. Jane Chu, of Missouri, to be Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts; and Todd A. Batta, of Iowa, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture.
Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Todd A. Batta of Iowa on his confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Relations. I can personally attest that he is very well qualified and will undoubtedly do an outstanding job in his new position.
It has been a pleasure for me to know Todd and his family for many years. He grew up in Lanesboro, IA, where his parents, Rick and Wanda, currently reside. His aunt, Bev Schroeder, was a member of my staff for over 20 years, both in Iowa and here in Washington, working on education policy and other matters. In fact, Todd's first political work was to help hand out Harkin information at parades when he was just three or 4 years old.
Todd began serving on my staff as an intern in the summer of 2001, after receiving his B.A. from Winona State University, and later worked for me as a researcher, deputy scheduler, and scheduler. In 2005, he moved from my personal office to work as a professional staff member on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, during the time I served as either ranking member or chairman.
It is Todd's good fortune to be married to Adrianna Logalbo. They began dating when Todd was on my staff. So, as I say, Todd and his family have been good friends to me for a very long time
From 2009 to 2011, Todd was a legislative assistant on the staff of Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin, handling agriculture and agriculture appropriations for Senator Kohl. He then served as special assistant in the Office of Congressional Relations at the Department of Agriculture, and since 2012, Todd has been senior advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture. In this role, he provides strategic advice and guidance to the Secretary regarding USDA's budget, legislative, and regulatory agenda.
Given Todd's strong personal qualities, experience, and proven abilities, I could not have been happier when I learned that President Obama had chosen him to serve as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture. I look forward to continuing to work with Todd and know that he will do a tremendous job in this new role.
Vote on McCord Nomination
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, if there is no further debate, the question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of Michael J. McCord, of Ohio, to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)?
The nomination was confirmed.
Vote on Chu Nomination
The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there is no further debate, the question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of R. Jane Chu, of Missouri, to be Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts?
The nomination was confirmed.
Vote on Batta Nomination
The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there is no further debate, the question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of Todd A. Batta, of Iowa, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture?
The nomination was confirmed.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, with respect to the nominations just confirmed, the motions to reconsider are considered made and laid upon the table and the President will be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
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