The Senate Agriculture Committee approved on Tuesday the nomination of Dr. Mindy Brashears to be U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Undersecretary for Food Safety.
“Dr. Brashears brings a wealth of food safety knowledge, a microbiological background and boots-on-the-ground experience to this position, and we urge the full Senate to consider her nomination promptly,” said National Chicken Council President Mike Brown. “We look forward to working with her, and continuing to work with the dedicated professionals at the Food Safety and Inspection Service, in advancing our common goal of protecting public health and keeping our food supply as safe as possible. We urge the full Senate to confirm Dr. Brashears as soon as possible.”
The vote was by voice with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) the lone no vote.
The committee approved the nominations last November, but the nominations were not confirmed by the full Senate before the end of the 115th Congress. President Trump renominated Dr. Brashears in January.
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue named Dr. Brashears deputy undersecretary for food safety, bypassing the need for Senate confirmation and clearing Dr. Brashears to begin official duties until the Senate confirmed her nomination.
The committee did not hold another confirmation hearing.
No date has been set for a full Senate confirmation vote.
