U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman convened a hearing to review the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent reorganization proposal. The hearing featured testimony from Judge Stephen Vaden, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.
In his opening statement, Boozman thanked Vaden for appearing before the committee on short notice and highlighted the recent efforts of Secretary Rollins, who has been in her position for less than six months. Boozman said, “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.”
He noted that Rollins had worked to implement emergency economic assistance and supplemental disaster relief passed by Congress in December. These measures are intended to help American farmers and ranchers maintain their operations and recover from natural disasters.
Boozman also credited Rollins with supporting programs related to farm safety nets, crop insurance, research initiatives, animal health infrastructure, and trade promotion through legislation referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill. He stated: “She has championed provisions that bolster the farm safety net, crop insurance, research, our animal health infrastructure, and trade promotion programs Congress delivered in the One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The chairman referenced actions taken by Rollins against threats such as New World Screwworm and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreaks affecting livestock across the country. He said: “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.”
Last week’s announcement regarding USDA’s reorganization was acknowledged by Boozman as an effort focused on improving effectiveness and accountability while reducing bureaucracy. “I appreciate the Secretary’s emphasis on improving effectiveness and accountability, enhancing services, reducing bureaucracy and cutting waste. I support these goals,” he stated.
Boozman emphasized the need for a careful review of how these changes might affect USDA’s presence in rural areas and its ability to deliver essential services: “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 underscored USDA’s longstanding role in supporting American agriculture through stewardship of resources and investment in rural development: “From its founding, USDA has been essential to American life – supporting farmers and ranchers, stewarding natural resources, investing in rural development, and advancing innovation in food and agriculture.”
Boozman concluded by reiterating his support for efficient government operation that meets agricultural needs while maintaining service at local levels: “We must also prioritize what matters most to producers and rural communities: service, responsiveness, and results… That presence… needs to be preserved and empowered.”
Addressing Deputy Secretary Vaden directly regarding his brief tenure at USDA since July 7th—less than a month—Boozman said: “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.”
