One day after the Senate Agriculture Committee recommended approval of Steve Censky for Deputy USDA Secretary and Ted McKinney for Under Secretary for Trade, the full Senate on Tuesday evening gave the two nominees a thumbs-up.
“I commend the Senate for confirming these two experienced, prepared, and capable nominees, who will provide the steady leadership we need at USDA,” Secretary Perdue said in a released statement. “Steve Censky will help us be responsive to producers reeling from the effects of multiple hurricanes and also offer prudent counsel as Congress continues work on the 2018 Farm Bill. Ted McKinney will take charge of the newly-created mission area focused on trade, and wake up every morning seeking to sell more American agricultural products in foreign markets. We eagerly await their arrival at USDA, and urge the Senate to continue to act on other nominees who are awaiting confirmation.”
Up to this point, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue was the only Senate-approved official at USDA. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) praised the Senate for quick action on the nominees and added, “Secretary Perdue, help is on the way.”
