Press Room
On The Issues
Photo Gallery
Committees
eNewsletter Sign-up
Just For Kids!

Contact Stephanie
Flag Requests
Visit DC
Casework
Internships
Academy Nominations

Sponsored 110th
Co-Sponsored 110th
Sponsored 109th
Co-Sponsored 109th
Sponsored 108th
Co-Sponsored 108th

About Stephanie
About South Dakota
Useful Links
Thomas
Veterans History
   Project

News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
For Immediate Release
Contact: Betsy Hart, 202-226-8555

HERSETH SANDLIN STATEMENT ON CONFIRMATION OF ED SCHAFER FOR AG SECRETARY

January 29, 2008, Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement in response to the Senate’s confirmation of former North Dakota Governor Edward Schafer as United States Secretary of Agriculture.

"I extend my warm congratulations to former Governor Schafer as our new Agriculture Secretary. It’s good to have a Dakotan at the helm of USDA. With the future of the Farm Bill still uncertain, I am pleased that the Senate has acted to fill this important post with someone who understands the needs of the Upper Great Plains, as well as the particular importance of passing a Farm Bill for producers in our region. Although the president failed to directly address the importance of passing the Farm Bill in his State of the Union speech last night, I am hopeful that Secretary Schafer will work with Congress in good faith to ensure this strong bill becomes law soon.

"While House and Senate Farm Bill negotiations are ongoing, I will continue to advocate for improving and maintaining a strong safety net for American agriculture as well as the inclusion of South Dakota’s priorities including mandatory country-of-origin labeling, investment in renewable energy research and development, and a strong commitment to important conservation programs.”

# # #

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.