On Monday, after the Senate unanimously confirmed the former North Dakota governor to his new post, Schafer took the oath ofoffice in Vice President Dick Cheney
's office. He then attended President Bush 's State of the Union speech as amember of Bush's Cabinet.
Schafer's quick and controversy-free move to USDA's head comes after Mike Johanns resigned the post last September.Johanns plans to run for the Nebraska seat of retiring Sen. Chuck Hagel.
In a statement, Bush said Schafer "distinguished himself as an executive with a proven record of results...
"He will work with the Congress to pass a responsible farmbill that will provide a safety net for farmers and protect ourlands and the environment, while at the same time ensuring federaltax dollars are spent wisely."
Schafer moves to the USDA at a time when Congress and the Bush administration remain at odds over a new farm bill. House andS enate versions of the farm bill have passed and are awaiting aconference to reconcile. However, the White House is threatening a veto, objects to Congress' funding proposals for the farmbill and wants to prohibit subsidies for farmers whose income top $200,000 annually.
Those looking for a sign that the White House might soften its position in the farm bill fracas found nothing promising in Bush's latest State of the Union address. Instead, Bush maintained his tough line against any new taxes and, in a move sureto concern U.S. farming organizations, urged Congress to"support an innovative proposal to provide food assistance bypurchasing crops directly from farmers in the developing world, sowe can build up local agriculture and help break the cycle offamine."
Among those offering congratulations to Schafer was Bob Stallman, head of American Farm Bureau Federation. "Secretary Schafer's extensive experience with agriculture during his two terms as governor of North Dakota should benefit all Americansas he assumes oversight of crucial farm, food and conservation programs," said Stallman.
"Secretary Schafer's experience with grain and livestock import issues and his understanding of the importance of home-grown fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol, are among his many strengths. As trade negotiations on farm goods continue, we offerour support for his efforts to open important new markets.
"As the opportunity arises, we will offer SecretarySchafer insights on the new farm bill from our farmer and ranch ermembers who work on the land to provide food, fiber and fuel forour nation."
Sen. Tom Harkin, Senate Agriculture Committee chairman, isoptimistic Schafer can help resolve the farm bill impasse."It is critical that USDA work with Congress to overcome thechallenges in completing a new farm bill for the department toimplement. Gov. Schafer's leadership can help make this newfarm bill a reality."
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