Legislative Activity

Full Senate Set to Confirm Sonny Perdue as Agriculture Secretary 

It has been nearly 14 weeks since President Donald Trump nominated Sonny Perdue, former two-term governor of Georgia, to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). His long wait for formal confirmation is likely to come to an end this week. The Senate is scheduled to hold a confirmation vote late Monday afternoon, where Perdue is expected to receive bipartisan support.

Perdue easily secured the Senate Agriculture Committee’s support at its business meeting on March 30 by a 19-1 vote; Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) voiced her opposition to his nomination and Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) – cousin of Sonny Perdue – declined to participate because of their close connection. Senator Gillibrand requested her opposition be recorded, noting her disapproval of how certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues in the State of Georgia were handled by then-Governor Perdue. However, Sonny Perdue is one of President Trump’s more uncontroversial Cabinet choices, and he notably boasts the support of the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), who has made clear her support for the Senate to swiftly confirm Perdue for the top USDA spot.

A formal swearing-in ceremony for Perdue, likely to be held later this week, will officially recognize Perdue as the 31st Secretary of Agriculture.

This Week’s Legislative Activities:

• On Monday, April 24, the Senate will hold a vote on confirmation of the nomination of Sonny Perdue to be Secretary of Agriculture.