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Ag Secretary addresses blocking of votes for key ag nominees

The US Ag Secretary says some members of the Senate shouldn’t politicize the voting process of key agricultural nominees.

The Senators who are leading the way to block the votes of two of the Trump Administration’s key agricultural nominees are Republicans

Bill Northey’s USDA approval is being held up by Texas Senator Ted Cruz.  Greg Doud’s approval as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator is being blocked by Arizona Senator Jeff Flake

But, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says at this point he doesn’t have a lot of options.  “I know there is a lot of tradition in the Senate, but this blue-slipping people for issues that don’t have anything to do with them,” he says.  “I don’t agree with.”

However, he says if Northey isn’t approved soon – he’s going to get involved.  “God help us if he’s not on board by January,” he says.  “For Heaven’s sake we hope to get that done.  I will go and make direct appeals to the leadership of the Senate if it goes on that long.  We’re trying to be respectful – but there is a limit to that.”

Perdue told farm broadcasters in Kansas City on Thursday he was wearing a “Free Bill Northey” t-shirt under his suit.