Pelosi Statement on Nomination of Former Governor Sonny Perdue to Serve as Agriculture Secretary

"The Department of Agriculture ensures hard-working families can put food on the table.  Thanks to the leadership of President Obama and Secretary Tom Vilsack, the USDA's bold, strategic 21st century approach is meeting America's needs, from our cities to our rural and underserved communities.

"As Congress prepares to consider the next Farm Bill, we must continue to prevent families from falling into poverty and tackle food insecurity.  We must continue to strengthen global food security, empower local food movements, address the climate crisis and sustainable energy, bolster resources for new and socially disadvantaged farmers and create robust agriculture export growth.  Hopefully, Governor Perdue recognizes the historic partnership of rural and urban communities and the bipartisan nature of the Farm Bill by learning from Republicans' disastrous decision to ‘split' the Farm Bill in 2013.

"The American people deserve an Agriculture Secretary who is a courageous advocate for America's family farmers, food security, and the role of biofuels in energy independence.  Democrats hope that Governor Perdue will reject Republicans' ‘Wrong Way Agenda' and take inspiration from his home state of Georgia by recognizing the importance of nutrition, conservation, disaster and farm programs to create a stronger America for all."