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Callahan, other ag nominees confirmed by Senate

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed a package of President Trump’s nominees for administrative positions, which included some key agricultural appointments.

Julie Callahan was confirmed as the next chief ag negotiator within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. During a confirmation hearing this fall, Callahan said American agriculture is under great stress.

“Farmers and ranchers rely on export markets to break even,” she said, “and often find themselves on the receiving end of retaliation and unfair trade practices that threaten their very existence.”

President Trump nominated Callahan in July. She says fair and enforceable trade agreements will be critical for U.S. growers.

“Many trading partners don’t treat the United States as well as we treat them,” Callahan said. “And moreover, many treat our competitors better than they treat us.”

Callahan previously served as assistant USTR for ag affairs and commodity policy.

Other confirmations for agriculture included Mindy Brashears as USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety, John Walk as USDA Inspector General, Stella Yvette Herrell as an assistant ag secretary for congressional and external relations, Michael Selig as chair to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and Jeffrey Hall as EPA’s assistant administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

The package of nearly 100 total nominees was approved by the Senate by a 53-43 vote.