Sen. Franken's Statement on the Confirmation of Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture

Press Release

Senator Al Franken released the following statement on the Senate confirmation of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture:

"In Minnesota, where one-in-five jobs is tied to agriculture, farmers and ranchers help make up the backbone of our economy. But right now, our ag communities are facing some major challenges-for example, Minnesota dairy producers are trying to dig out of an awful price slump that's being exacerbated by unfair foreign trade practices.

"Last week, I traveled across the state and made several stops to talk with ag leaders and local farmers about what's on their minds, including the next Farm Bill, a strong Renewable Fuel Standard, preventing another avian influenza outbreak, and of course, ongoing threats to the dairy industry. I supported Sonny Perdue because I'm hopeful we can find common ground on these issues, among many others. I'll also be challenging the new Ag Secretary to strongly reject a plan by President Trump to cut funding for the USDA by more than 20 percent-a move that, if approved, would devastate the American farm economy and put the livelihoods of Minnesota families at risk."

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