The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry convened a hearing to review the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reorganization proposal. Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) opened the session by welcoming Judge Stephen Vaden, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, who appeared before the committee shortly after his appointment.
In his prepared statement, Boozman highlighted the recent leadership of Secretary Rollins at USDA. “Despite being at the helm for less than six months, Secretary Rollins has already made a significant and positive impact on the agriculture sector and rural America. I appreciate her commitment to serving our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters,” Boozman said.
He acknowledged Rollins’ work in implementing economic assistance measures and disaster relief passed by Congress in December to support American farmers and ranchers during emergencies and natural disasters. Boozman also cited her efforts to strengthen farm safety net programs such as crop insurance, research initiatives, animal health infrastructure, and trade promotion through legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Boozman noted actions taken by Rollins to address threats facing American livestock. “The Secretary has also taken action to defend American livestock against the growing threat of New World Screwworm, as well as successfully reined in the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak that has significantly impacted poultry flocks and dairy operations across the U.S.”
The chairman addressed last week’s announcement of a major USDA reorganization aimed at improving effectiveness, accountability, services, reducing bureaucracy, and cutting waste. He expressed support for these objectives but emphasized that any changes must be examined for their effects on USDA’s service delivery in rural communities.
“As we examine the proposal, we need to fully understand its implications for the people USDA serves; especially how reorganization will affect USDA’s boots-on-the-ground presence in rural America and the delivery of essential services,” he stated.
Boozman reiterated USDA’s historical role in supporting American agriculture while adapting to modern challenges. He called for preserving field offices like FSA locations and maintaining effective rural development programs.
“Deputy Secretary Vaden, I recognize you have only been at the Department for a little over three weeks after being sworn in on July 7… I thank you for being here today…to testify on this important proposal,” Boozman concluded.
