On February 23, the United States Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve Tom Vilsack’s nomination to serve as the 32nd United States Secretary of Agriculture. With a 92-7 vote, Secretary Vilsack received the anticipated bipartisan support that has been the hallmark of his confirmation process, a sign of the widespread support for the Secretary.
While the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is often viewed as being singularly focused on crops, livestock, and other agricultural products, the Secretary of Agriculture’s leadership is critically important to America’s sportsmen and women. After serving as Agriculture Secretary for the entirety of the Obama Administration, Secretary Vilsack brings significant experience as he takes over the reins of the USDA for a second time. This experience will be invaluable as the Department of Agriculture prepares to play a critical role in the implementation of various conservation priorities.
Once officially sworn in, Secretary Vilsack will assume authority over a Department charged with the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill, provisions of the Great American Outdoors Act, management of federal forests through the United States Forest Service, and more.
“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is pleased to see the Senate swiftly move Secretary Vilsack’s nomination through the confirmation process in a strong bipartisan fashion. CSF is excited for the opportunity to work with Secretary Vilsack again to advance sound conservation policies and access opportunities for sportsmen and women,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane.
CSF supported Secretary Vilsack’s nomination throughout the confirmation process and looks forward to working with him to advance the implementation of the critical conservation programs under the Department’s purview.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
