This afternoon, the Senate, in a 29-7 vote, confirmed the nomination of Tom Vilsack to serve as President Biden's Agriculture Secretary. Vilsack had previously served as President Obama's Agriculture Secretary from 2009-2017.
Rev. Douglas Greenaway, President & CEO of the National WIC Association, issued the following statement in response:
"The National WIC Association applauds the Senate’s confirmation of Tom Vilsack as the next Agricultural Secretary and is excited for his continued leadership and dedication to improving the WIC program for the next generation. Tom Vilsack has the experience, deep understanding of USDA programs, and clear vision to hit the ground running as an effective and transformative Agriculture Secretary.
“In his confirmation hearing, Vilsack's early commitment to expanding access to nutritious foods, reaching out to families in need, making USDA programs more accessible, and addressing systematic racial inequities is a welcome refrain as Vilsack assumes his role overseeing the federal department charged with overseeing the nation’s food supply chain in the midst of a national hunger crisis.
“Especially as Congress considers critical legislation to enhance the value of WIC benefits and invest in program improvements to expand WIC’s public health impact, Secretary Vilsack will be a proactive and engaged partner in advancing much-needed program reforms that make WIC more accessible and convenient for families raising young children during this pandemic.
“The National WIC Association and broader WIC community look forward to partnering with Secretary Vilsack and his team to advance this positive vision for WIC’s future in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”
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