U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) have announced that the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry will be holding a business meeting to consider the nominations of Dr. Basil Ivanhoe Gooden of Virginia to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development and the Honorable Summer K. Mersinger of South Dakota to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The business meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in conjunction with the first floor vote and will be located at S-219 in the Capitol.
Members of the media who are congressionally-credentialed and wish to attend the hearing are required to RSVP to their respective gallery by 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2023. Daily print reporters should RSVP to the Daily Press Gallery at 202-224-0241, while periodical reporters should RSVP to the Periodical Press Gallery at 202-224-0265. Press photographers are advised to RSVP to Press_photo@saa.senate.gov or call 202-224-6548. It is important to note that there is a mandatory TV pool, and for additional details, contact the Senate Radio-TV Gallery at 202-224-6421.
The announcement made by Senators Stabenow and Boozman emphasizes the significance of these nominations and the importance of the Committee's consideration. The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development plays a crucial role in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at supporting rural communities and promoting economic development. Dr. Basil Ivanhoe Gooden's nomination reflects the commitment to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by these communities.
Similarly, the nomination of the Honorable Summer K. Mersinger as a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission highlights the importance of effective oversight and regulation in the financial markets. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and stability of these markets, and the appointment of Commissioner Mersinger is a testament to the dedication to upholding these principles.
With the business meeting scheduled for December 6, 2023, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is poised to carefully consider these nominations and their potential impact on the respective areas of rural development and financial market regulation. The meeting will provide an opportunity for Senators to engage in a thorough evaluation of the nominees' qualifications and their ability to fulfill the responsibilities of their positions.
The announcement concludes with the necessary logistical information for media coverage of the business meeting, highlighting the need for RSVPs and providing the contact information for the different press galleries and the Senate Radio-TV Gallery.
Overall, the announcement from Senators Stabenow and Boozman sets the stage for an important and consequential business meeting, as the Committee prepares to deliberate on the nominations of Dr. Basil Ivanhoe Gooden and the Honorable Summer K. Mersinger.
To find out more, go to this link: https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/dem/press/release/senators-stabenow-boozman-announce-business-meeting-on-nominees
