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RFA Congratulates Bill Northey on Senate Approval to USDA Post

February 27, 2018

           

WASHINGTON — Today, after a four-month hold, the nomination of Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey to be USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation was lifted. Once a vote was allowed to occur, he was swiftly confirmed by a voice vote. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen issued the following statement: "We are pleased to see Bill Northey finally confirmed by the Senate. This is long overdue. Bill is eminently qualified to help our nation's farmers, but unfortunately his nomination fell victim to political games. There is no better champion for farmers than Bill Northey. He is the right man for the job and will be an enormous asset to USDA Secretary Perdue." "We would also like to express our gratitude to Senators Grassley, Ernst, Stabenow, Klobuchar and other champions in Congress for their persistence to ensure the hold on Bill's nomination was lifted. "In 30 years advocating for ethanol, I have met and worked with hundreds of state AG secretaries. I can tell you without question or hyperbole that Bill has been the hardest working, most knowledgeable, and most committed to farmers of anyone I have ever known. He will now bring that passion and expertise to farmers all across the country. Congratulations to Bill and we look forward to working with him on behalf of rural America."